Storage device including ultraviolet illumination

ABSTRACT

Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. Items located within the area and/or one or more conditions of the area are monitored over a period of time. Based on the monitoring, ultraviolet radiation sources are controlled by adjusting a direction, an intensity, a pattern, and/or a spectral power of the ultraviolet radiation generated by the ultraviolet radiation source. Adjustments to the ultraviolet radiation source(s) can correspond to one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a storage life preservation operating configuration, a disinfection operating configuration, and an ethylene decomposition operating configuration.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/492,473, filed on 1 May 2017, which is herebyincorporated by reference. The current application is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/700,533, filed on11 Sep. 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/385,581, filed on 9 Sep. 2016, and which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.15/388,394, filed on 22 Dec. 2016, which is a continuation-in-partapplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/629,508, filed on 24 Feb.2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/943,915, filed on 24 Feb. 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/042,737, filed on 27 Aug. 2014, and which is also acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.14/012,682, filed on 28 Aug. 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,034,271, issued19 May 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/694,229, filed on 28 Aug. 2012, and U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/694,232, filed on 28 Aug. 2012, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference. Additional aspects of the invention arerelated to the invention disclosed in the U.S. application Ser. No.14/478,266, filed on 5 Sep. 2014, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to ultraviolet radiation, and moreparticularly, to a solution for preserving, disinfecting, and/or thelike, stored items within an area, such as food items located in astorage area of a refrigerated unit, using ultraviolet radiation.

BACKGROUND ART

Reliable, hygienic storage of sanitary and biological items, such asfood, is a major problem. For example, the problem is present throughoutthe food industry, e.g., manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, and inevery household, and is especially significant for food serviceestablishments, in which related issues of food quality control also aresignificant. In addition to food storage and quality control in fixedlocations (e.g., a refrigerator) where access to electricity is readilyavailable, proper food storage and quality control also is important insituations for which access to unlimited electricity and/or a stationarystorage device, such as a refrigerator, is not available, such aspicnics, camping, mobile food kiosks, hospitality or battlefield meallocations, search and rescue, etc. In addition to food, other storeditems also require hygienic storage. For example, medical and chemicalequipment, construction wood, etc., also require storage in abiologically safe environment. Since ambient temperature significantlyaffects bacterial activity, effective control of the ambient temperatureis an important tool in ensuring reliable, hygienic storage of variousitems.

Fresh food products can be processed using ultraviolet light as agermicidal medium to reduce the food-born microbial load. Water has beentreated with ultraviolet light to provide safe drinking water for quitesome time. Fruit and vegetable products capable of being pumped througha system generally are very suitable for processing by ultraviolet lightto reduce the microbial load. Today, most of these products arepasteurized to obtain microbiologically safe and nutritious products.However, pasteurization can change the taste and flavor of such productsbecause of the temperature and processing time. Juices from differentsources can be treated by exposure to ultraviolet light at differentdoses. On the other hand, variables such as exposure time, type of fruitproduct, juice color and juice composition, among other variables, needto be studied to obtain fruit products with reduced microbial load,increased shelf life and adequate sensory and nutritionalcharacteristics. Reduction of microbial load through ultraviolet lightapplication as a disinfection medium for food products other thanliquids also is being studied. Moreover, ultraviolet technology could bea source for pasteurization of liquids, or disinfection of solid foodsas an alternative technology, instead of thermal treatment orapplication of antimicrobial compounds.

In general, ultraviolet (UV) light is classified into three wavelengthranges: UV-C, from about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 280 nm; UV-B, fromabout 280 nm to about 315 nm; and UV-A, from about 315 nm to about 400nm. Generally, ultraviolet light, and in particular, UV-C light is“germicidal,” i.e., it deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses andother pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and causedisease. This effectively results in sterilization of themicroorganisms. Specifically, UV-C light causes damage to the nucleicacid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certainadjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of these bonds prevents the DNAfrom being “unzipped” for replication, and the organism is neither ableto produce molecules essential for life process, nor is it able toreproduce. In fact, when an organism is unable to produce theseessential molecules or is unable to replicate, it dies. UV light with awavelength of approximately between about 250 to about 280 nm providesthe highest germicidal effectiveness. While susceptibility to UV lightvaries, exposure to UV energy for about 20 to about 34milliwatt-seconds/cm2 is adequate to deactivate approximately 99 percentof the pathogens.

Various approaches have sought to use ultraviolet light to disinfect acompartment, such as compartments found in refrigerators. For example,one approach proposes a plurality of small, low current UV lights whichutilize the standard circuitry of the refrigerator to power the UV lightsource. Another approach uses a UV lamp installed in a top portion ofthe refrigerator and reflective lining throughout the interior toreflect the UV radiation throughout the compartment. Another approachprovides a UV system with a single UV source attached to an internalsidewall of a refrigerator to radiate light to the entire compartment,or in the alternative, provide UV exposure to a limited compartment.Still another approach proposes an air cleaner for an internalcompartment of a refrigerator, which utilizes a UV filter to reducepathogens in the re-circulated air. Still another approach provides arefrigerator with UV light irradiation components to eradicate low-levellight from the storage containers contained therein to promote freshnessof foodstuffs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

While refrigerators have been widely used to maintain the freshness offoods stored therein, and several approaches for using UV light devicesin connection with refrigerators have been proposed, the inventorsrecognize that these approaches fail to adequately address food lifeprolongation, disinfection, ethylene decomposition, and/or the like,through the use of UV source(s), such as UV light emitting diode(s),capable of emitting UV radiation of different wavelengths and/orintensities.

The inventors provide a solution for preserving, disinfecting, and/orthe like, stored items within a storage area, such as a storage area ofa refrigerated unit, using ultraviolet radiation. For example, anembodiment of the solution is configured to monitor biodegradable itemswithin the storage area and determine and apply a target amount ofultraviolet radiation to preserve and/or disinfect the items, withoutaffecting the quality of the items. Embodiments of the system can beimplemented in any of various types of storage environments, such asrefrigerators, pantries, reusable grocery bags, coolers, boxes,biological and/or sterile object storage containers, and/or the like.

Aspects of the invention provide a solution in which ultravioletradiation is directed within an area. Items located within the areaand/or one or more conditions of the area are monitored over a period oftime. Based on the monitoring, ultraviolet radiation sources arecontrolled by adjusting a direction, an intensity, a pattern, and/or aspectral power of the ultraviolet radiation generated by the ultravioletradiation source. Adjustments to the ultraviolet radiation source(s) cancorrespond to one of a plurality of selectable operating configurationsincluding a storage life preservation operating configuration, adisinfection operating configuration, an ethylene decompositionoperating configuration, and/or the like.

A first aspect of the invention provides a system comprising: at leastone ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultravioletradiation directed within a storage area; and a control system forcontrolling ultraviolet radiation generated by the at least oneultraviolet radiation source using one of a plurality of selectableoperating configurations and a set of current conditions of at least oneof: the storage area or a set of items located in the storage area,wherein the controlling includes adjusting at least one of: a direction,an intensity, a pattern, or a spectral power of ultraviolet radiationdirected within the storage area based on the set of current conditionsof the storage area and a set of target conditions for at least one of:the storage area or a set of items located in the storage areacorresponding to a currently selected one of the plurality of selectableoperating configurations, and wherein the plurality of selectableoperating configurations include: a storage life preservation operatingconfiguration, a disinfection operating configuration, and an ethylenedecomposition operating configuration.

A second aspect of the invention provides a food storage devicecomprising: a storage area configured to store at least one perishablefood item; at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured togenerate ultraviolet radiation directed within the storage area; and amonitoring system for monitoring a set of current conditions of at leastone of: the storage area or a set of items located in the storage area,wherein the set of current conditions includes a set of currentbiological conditions of the storage area and an operating condition ofthe at least one ultraviolet radiation source.

A third aspect of the invention provides a refrigeration devicecomprising: a storage area configured to store at least one refrigerateditem; a component configured to control at least one environmentalcondition of the storage area, wherein the at least one environmentalcondition includes at least one of: a temperature, a humidity, a gasconvection, or a fluid convection; at least one ultraviolet radiationsource configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed within thestorage area; and a monitoring and control system for managing thestorage area by performing a method comprising: monitoring a set ofcurrent conditions of at least one of: the storage area or a set ofitems located in the storage area; and controlling ultraviolet radiationgenerated by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source using one ofa plurality of selectable operating configurations and the set ofcurrent conditions, wherein the controlling includes adjusting at leastone of: a direction, an intensity, a pattern, or a spectral power ofultraviolet radiation directed within the storage area based on the setof current conditions of the storage area and a set of target conditionsfor at least one of: the storage area or a set of items located in thestorage area corresponding to a currently selected one of the pluralityof selectable operating configurations, and wherein the plurality ofselectable operating configurations include: a storage life preservationoperating configuration, a disinfection operating configuration, and anethylene decomposition operating configuration.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a system comprising: a storagedevice including a storage area for containing at least one item,wherein the storage area is at least partially defined by: a transparentregion fixed in the storage device, wherein the transparent region isconfigured to transmit ultraviolet radiation; and a reflecting regionadjacent to the transparent region, wherein the reflecting region isconfigured to reflect ultraviolet radiation into the storage area; and aset of ultraviolet radiation sources configured to generate ultravioletradiation into the storage area, wherein at least one of the set ofultraviolet radiation sources is adjacent to the at least onetransparent region.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a storage device comprising: astorage area for containing at least one item; means for removablymounting an ultraviolet radiation source configured to generateultraviolet radiation directed into the storage area, wherein the meansfor removably mounting includes: a reflecting region adjacent to theultraviolet radiation source, the reflecting region configured toreflect ultraviolet radiation into the storage area; and a transparentregion isolating the ultraviolet radiation source from an interior ofthe storage area, the transparent region configured to transmitultraviolet radiation into the storage area; and a monitoring andcontrol system for monitoring a set of current conditions for at leastone of: the storage area and the at least one item, and for controllingthe ultraviolet radiation source based on the set of current conditions.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a storage device comprising: astorage area for containing at least one item; a set of ultravioletradiation sources located within the storage device and configured togenerate ultraviolet radiation into the storage area, wherein the set ofultraviolet radiation sources are located in a hollow region defined bya reflecting surface configured to reflect ultraviolet radiation intothe storage area and a transparent surface configured to transmitultraviolet radiation; a set of visible and infrared radiation sourcesconfigured to generate radiation into the storage area; and a monitoringand control system for monitoring a set of current conditions of thestorage area and controlling the set of ultraviolet radiation sourcesand the set of visible and infrared radiation sources using the set ofcurrent conditions.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a system comprising: astorage device including a storage area for containing at least oneitem, wherein the storage area includes at least one shelf for holdingthe at least one item; a set of ultraviolet radiation sources configuredto generate ultraviolet radiation into the storage area; a set ofsensing devices configured to monitor a set of current conditions of atleast one of: the storage area or the at least one item; and a controlsystem configured to control the set of ultraviolet radiation sourcesbased on the set of current conditions.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides a storage device comprising:a storage area including at least one shelf for holding at least oneitem; a set of ultraviolet radiation sources configured to generateultraviolet radiation into the storage area; a set of sensing devicesconfigured to monitor a set of current conditions of at least one of:the storage area or the at least one item, the set of sensing devicesincluding a visual camera configured to capture an image of the at leastone item; and a control system configured to control the set ofultraviolet radiation sources based on the set of current conditions.

A ninth aspect of the invention provides a storage device comprising: astorage area including at least one shelf for holding at least one item,wherein the at least one shelf includes a plurality of sub-compartments;a set of ultraviolet radiation sources configured to generateultraviolet radiation into the storage area; a set of sensing devicesconfigured to monitor a set of current conditions of at least one of:the storage area or the at least one item, the set of sensing devicesincluding a visual camera configured to capture an image of the at leastone item; and a control system configured to control the set ofultraviolet radiation sources based on the set of current conditions.

A tenth aspect of the invention provides a system comprising: a storagedevice including a storage area for containing at least one item,wherein the storage area includes at least one shelf for holding the atleast one item; a set of ultraviolet radiation sources configured togenerate ultraviolet radiation into the storage area; a set of sensingdevices configured to monitor a set of current conditions of at leastone of: the storage area or the at least one item, wherein the set ofsensing devices includes a load sensor configured to detect a load onthe at least one shelf, and wherein the set of current conditionsincludes a presence of the at least one item on the at least one shelf;and a control system configured to control the set of ultravioletradiation sources based on the set of current conditions, wherein thecontrolling includes selecting an intensity for the ultravioletradiation such that the ultraviolet radiation is uniform over the atleast one item.

An eleventh aspect of the invention provides a system comprising: astorage device including a storage area for containing at least oneitem, wherein the storage area includes at least one shelf for holdingthe at least one item; a set of ultraviolet radiation sources configuredto generate ultraviolet radiation into the storage area; a set ofsensing devices configured to monitor a set of current conditions of atleast one of: the storage area or the at least one item, wherein the setof sensing devices includes a humidity sensor configured to detect ahumidity level within the storage area, and wherein the set of currentconditions includes the humidity level; and a control system configuredto control the set of ultraviolet radiation sources based on the set ofcurrent conditions, wherein the controlling includes selecting anintensity for the ultraviolet radiation such that the ultravioletradiation is uniform over the at least one item.

A twelfth aspect of the invention provides a method comprising:detecting, using a load sensor, a set of current conditions for astorage area including at least one shelf for holding at least one item,wherein the set of current conditions includes a presence of the atleast one item on the at least one shelf; and controlling, based on theset of current conditions, a set of ultraviolet radiation sourcesconfigured to generate ultraviolet radiation into the storage area byselecting an intensity for the ultraviolet radiation, such that theultraviolet radiation is uniform over the at least one item.

The illustrative aspects of the invention are designed to solve one ormore of the problems herein described and/or one or more other problemsnot discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the disclosure will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings that depict various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation system according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating use of operatingconfigurations for operating an ultraviolet radiation source accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative system including an ultraviolet radiationsystem according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 4A-4H show illustrative storage devices for use with anultraviolet radiation system according to embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative storage device for use with an ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative shelf including a set of items for use withan ultraviolet radiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative storage device for use with an ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8A shows a feedback loop according to an embodiment, while FIG. 8Bshows illustrative peak wavelengths for ultraviolet and visibleradiation according to an embodiment, and FIG. 8C shows an exemplaryplot of changing input parameters according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative storage device for use with an ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative storage device for use with an ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 show an illustrative storage device for use with an ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12A shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation source for use witha storage device according to an embodiment, while FIG. 12B shows anillustrative ultraviolet radiation source within an ultraviolettransparent enclosure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary power distribution plot according to anembodiment.

FIG. 14 shows an illustrative storage device for use with an ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative mesh for a storage device according to anembodiment.

FIG. 16 shows a partial cross-sectional perspective view of anillustrative storage device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of an illustrative storage deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show perspective views of illustrative storage devicesaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of an illustrative storage deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show cross-sectional views of illustrative storagedevices according to embodiments.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of an illustrative storage deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of an illustrative storage deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows an illustrative storage device for use with an ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 24 shows a partial perspective view of an illustrative storagedevice according to an embodiment.

FIG. 25 shows a graph of ultraviolet transmission properties for severalpolymers.

FIGS. 26A and 26B show a top view and a cross-sectional view,respectively, of an illustrative structure for use in conjunction with astorage device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 27 shows an illustrative arrangement of ultraviolet radiationsources according to an embodiment.

FIG. 28 shows a band diagram for an illustrative heterostructureincluding barriers and quantum wells according to an embodiment.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of an illustrative storage deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of an illustrative storage deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 31 shows a refrigerator drawer including an illustrativeultraviolet radiation system according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 32A and 32B show perspective views of a refrigerator drawerincluding a reflector according to an embodiment.

FIG. 33 shows a partial perspective view of an illustrative rail systemfor connecting a reflector according to an embodiment.

FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of an illustrative arrangement ofultraviolet radiation sources within a transparent enclosure accordingto an embodiment.

FIGS. 35A and 35B show the light diffusion of ultraviolet radiationsources without a transparent enclosure and with a transparentenclosure, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 36A and 36B show a cross-sectional and a perspectivethree-dimensional view, respectively, of an illustrative ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 37 shows an illustrative storage device for use with an ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 38 shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation system according toan embodiment.

FIG. 39A shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation system including arail system for the ultraviolet radiation sources according to anembodiment, while FIG. 39B shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiationsystem including a flexible transparent enclosure according to anembodiment.

FIG. 40 shows an illustrative storage area for use with an ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 41 shows an illustrative storage area for use with an ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 42A shows an illustrative lamp for use with an ultravioletradiation system according to an embodiment, while FIG. 42B shows anillustrative storage device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 43 shows a side view of an illustrative storage area according toan embodiment.

It is noted that the drawings may not be to scale. The drawings areintended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and thereforeshould not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In thedrawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, aspects of the invention provide a solution in whichultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. Items located withinthe area and/or one or more conditions of the area are monitored over aperiod of time. Based on the monitoring, ultraviolet radiation sourcesare controlled by adjusting a direction, an intensity, a pattern, and/ora spectral power of the ultraviolet radiation generated by theultraviolet radiation source. Adjustments to the ultraviolet radiationsource(s) can correspond to one of a plurality of selectable operatingconfigurations including a storage life preservation operatingconfiguration, a disinfection operating configuration, an ethylenedecomposition operating configuration, and/or the like.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “set” means one or more(i.e., at least one) and the phrase “any solution” means any now knownor later developed solution. Furthermore, as used herein, ultravioletradiation/light means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 10 nanometers (nm) to approximately 400 nm,while ultraviolet-C (UV-C) means electromagnetic radiation having awavelength ranging from approximately 100 nm to approximately 280 nm,ultraviolet-B (UV-B) means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 280 to approximately 315 nanometers, andultraviolet-A (UV-A) means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 315 to approximately 400 nanometers. As alsoused herein, a material/structure is considered to be “reflective” toultraviolet light of a particular wavelength when the material/structurehas an ultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least thirty percent forthe ultraviolet light of the particular wavelength. In a more particularembodiment, a highly ultraviolet reflective material/structure has anultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least eighty percent.Furthermore, a material/structure is considered to be “transparent” toultraviolet light of a particular wavelength when the material/structureallows a significant amount of the ultraviolet radiation to pass therethrough. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet transparent structure isformed of a material and has a thickness, which allows at least tenpercent of the ultraviolet radiation to pass there through.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an illustrative ultravioletradiation system 10 according to an embodiment. In this case, the system10 includes a monitoring and/or control system 11, which is implementedas a computer system 20 including an analysis program 30, which makesthe computer system 20 operable to manage an ultraviolet (UV) radiationsource 12 by performing a process described herein. In particular, theanalysis program 30 can enable the computer system 20 to operate the UVradiation source 12 to generate and direct ultraviolet radiation withinan area and process data corresponding to one or more conditions of thearea and/or an item located in the area, which is acquired by a feedbackcomponent 14. While a single UV radiation source 12 is shown, it isunderstood that the area can include any number of UV radiation sources12, the operation of which the computer system 20 can separately manageusing a process described herein.

In an embodiment, during an initial period of operation (e.g., afterrecent access to the area, addition/removal/reconfiguration of item(s)placed within the area, and/or the like), the computer system 20 canacquire data from the feedback component 14 regarding one or moreattributes of the items in the area and/or conditions of the area andgenerate analysis data 42 for further processing. The analysis data 42can include information on the color, appearance, and/or the like, ofitems in the area, the presence of microorganisms on the items or withinthe area, and/or the like. Furthermore, the analysis data 42 can includeinformation on the presence of ethylene gas within the area. Thecomputer system 20 can use the analysis data 42 to generate calibrationdata 40 for controlling one or more aspects of the ultraviolet radiationgenerated by the ultraviolet radiation source(s) 12 using one of aplurality of selectable operating configurations as discussed herein.Furthermore, one or more aspects of the operation of the ultravioletradiation source 12 can be controlled by a user 6 via an externalinterface component 26B.

The computer system 20 is shown including a processing component 22(e.g., one or more processors), a storage component 24 (e.g., a storagehierarchy), an input/output (I/O) component 26A (e.g., one or more I/Ointerfaces and/or devices), and a communications pathway 28. In general,the processing component 22 executes program code, such as the analysisprogram 30, which is at least partially fixed in the storage component24. While executing program code, the processing component 22 canprocess data, which can result in reading and/or writing transformeddata from/to the storage component 24 and/or the I/O component 26A forfurther processing. The pathway 28 provides a communications linkbetween each of the components in the computer system 20. The I/Ocomponent 26A and/or the external interface component 26B can compriseone or more human I/O devices, which enable a human user 6 to interactwith the computer system 20 and/or one or more communications devices toenable a system user 6 to communicate with the computer system 20 usingany type of communications link. To this extent, during execution by thecomputer system 20, the analysis program 30 can manage a set ofinterfaces (e.g., graphical user interface(s), application programinterface, and/or the like) that enable human and/or system users 6 tointeract with the analysis program 30. Furthermore, the analysis program30 can manage (e.g., store, retrieve, create, manipulate, organize,present, etc.) the data, such as calibration data 40 and analysis data42, using any solution.

In any event, the computer system 20 can comprise one or more generalpurpose computing articles of manufacture (e.g., computing devices)capable of executing program code, such as the analysis program 30,installed thereon. As used herein, it is understood that “program code”means any collection of instructions, in any language, code or notation,that cause a computing device having an information processingcapability to perform a particular function either directly or after anycombination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, codeor notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c)decompression. To this extent, the analysis program 30 can be embodiedas any combination of system software and/or application software.

Furthermore, the analysis program 30 can be implemented using a set ofmodules 32. In this case, a module 32 can enable the computer system 20to perform a set of tasks used by the analysis program 30, and can beseparately developed and/or implemented apart from other portions of theanalysis program 30. When the computer system 20 comprises multiplecomputing devices, each computing device can have only a portion of theanalysis program 30 fixed thereon (e.g., one or more modules 32).However, it is understood that the computer system 20 and the analysisprogram 30 are only representative of various possible equivalentmonitoring and/or control systems 11 that may perform a processdescribed herein. To this extent, in other embodiments, thefunctionality provided by the computer system 20 and the analysisprogram 30 can be at least partially implemented by one or morecomputing devices that include any combination of general and/orspecific purpose hardware with or without program code. In eachembodiment, the hardware and program code, if included, can be createdusing standard engineering and programming techniques, respectively. Inanother embodiment, the monitoring and/or control system 11 can beimplemented without any computing device, e.g., using a closed loopcircuit implementing a feedback control loop in which the outputs of oneor more sensing devices are used as inputs to control the operation ofone or more other devices (e.g., LEDs). Illustrative aspects of theinvention are further described in conjunction with the computer system20. However, it is understood that the functionality described inconjunction therewith can be implemented by any type of monitoringand/or control system 11.

Regardless, when the computer system 20 includes multiple computingdevices, the computing devices can communicate over any type ofcommunications link. Furthermore, while performing a process describedherein, the computer system 20 can communicate with one or more othercomputer systems, such as the user 6, using any type of communicationslink. In either case, the communications link can comprise anycombination of various types of wired and/or wireless links; compriseany combination of one or more types of networks; and/or utilize anycombination of various types of transmission techniques and protocols.This communications link, which can include a wireless or cable basedtransmission, can be utilized to transmit information about the state ofone or more items and/or zones within the storage area 54.

The system 10 can be implemented within an existing storage device(e.g., a refrigerator) using any solution. For example, one or moreultraviolet radiation sources 12 and one or more devices included in afeedback component 14 can be fixed within various locations in thestorage device (e.g., on walls, shelves, etc.) and configured foroperation by the computer system 20. The locations of devices in theultraviolet radiation source(s) 12 and/or the feedback component 14 canbe selected to provide comprehensive coverage of the storage area of thestorage device and the items located within the storage area. In anembodiment, the computer system 20 can be located outside of the storagearea of the storage device.

The ultraviolet radiation source 12 can comprise any combination of oneor more ultraviolet radiation emitters. For example, the UV source 12can include a high intensity ultraviolet lamp (e.g., a high intensitymercury lamp), an ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED), and/or thelike. In an embodiment, the UV source 12 includes a set of lightemitting diodes manufactured with one or more layers of materialsselected from the group-III nitride material system (e.g.,Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_(1-X-Y)N, where 0≤x, y≤1, and x+y≤1 and/or alloysthereof). Additionally, the UV source 12 can comprise one or moreadditional components (e.g., a wave guiding structure, a component forrelocating and/or redirecting ultraviolet radiation emitter(s), etc.) todirect and/or deliver the emitted radiation to a particularlocation/area, in a particular direction, in a particular pattern,and/or the like, within the storage area. Illustrative wave guidingstructures include, but are not limited to, a plurality of ultravioletfibers, each of which terminates at an opening, a diffuser, and/or thelike. The computer system 12 can independently control each UV source12.

The system 10 also can include an alarm component 23, which can beoperated by the computer system 20 to indicate when ultravioletradiation is being directed within the storage area. The alarm component23 can include one or more devices for generating a visual signal, anauditory signal, and/or the like. For example, in the example shown inFIG. 4A, where the storage device 52 includes a refrigeration device, apanel 8 can display a flashing light, text, an image, and/or the like,to indicate that ultraviolet radiation is currently being directed intoa corresponding storage area 54. Furthermore, the alarm component 23 cangenerate a noise, such as a bell, a beep, and/or the like, to indicatethat ultraviolet radiation is currently being directed to the storagearea 54.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating use of operatingconfigurations for operating an ultraviolet radiation source 12according to an embodiment. As illustrated, the computer system 20 canuse data corresponding to a selected operating configuration 50A-50C toadjust one or more aspects of the ultraviolet radiation 13 generated bythe ultraviolet radiation source(s) 12. In an embodiment, the operatingconfigurations 50A-50C can include a storage life preservation operatingconfiguration 50A, a disinfection operating configuration 50B, and anethylene decomposition operating configuration 50C. In an embodiment,the storage life preservation operating configuration 50A is configuredto increase a storage lifespan of items stored within the area, whilethe disinfection operating configuration 50B is configured to eliminateand/or decrease an amount of microorganisms present within the area oron item(s) located within the area. The ethylene decomposition operatingconfiguration 50C can be configured to remove ethylene from theatmosphere of the storage area, which would otherwise decrease thestorage lifespan of items located within the area. One or more of theseoperating configurations can be configured to improve and/or maintainthe visual appearance and/or nutritional value of the items within thestorage area. For example, increasing the storage lifespan can includesuppressing microorganism growth, maintaining and/or improvingnutritional value, maintaining and/or improving visual appearance,and/or the like. Also, the operating configurations can be configured toprevent the build-up of mold within the storage area and/or on the itemswithin the storage area.

The computer system 20 is configured to control and adjust a direction,an intensity, a pattern, and/or a spectral power (e.g., wavelength) ofthe ultraviolet radiation sources 12 to correspond to a particularoperating configuration 50A-50C. The computer system 20 can control andadjust each property of the UV source 12 independently. For example, thecomputer system 20 can adjust the intensity, the time duration, and/ortime scheduling (e.g., pattern) of the UV source 12 for a givenwavelength. Each operating configuration 50A-50C can designate a uniquecombination of: a target ultraviolet wavelength, a target intensitylevel, a target pattern for the ultraviolet radiation (e.g., timescheduling, including duration (e.g., exposure/illumination time), dutycycle, time between exposures/illuminations, and/or the like), a targetspectral power, and/or the like, in order to meet a unique set of goalscorresponding to each operating configuration 50A-50C.

For example, the storage life preservation operating configuration 50Acan require an ultraviolet wavelength of approximately 290 nm peakemission of a relatively lower intensity substantially continuousradiation. For example, an illustrative intensity range can be betweenapproximately 0.1 milliwatt/m² and approximately 1000 milliwatt/m². Inan embodiment, the intensity for the ultraviolet radiation in thestorage life preservation operating configuration 50A can beapproximately 400 microwatts/cm². In a more specific illustrativeembodiment, the ultraviolet LEDs can direct ultraviolet radiation havingan intensity of a few (e.g., 1-3) microwatts/cm² for approximately sevendays within an enclosure that does not allow ultraviolet radiation toescape, such as an aluminum tube.

The disinfection operating configuration 50B can require any subset ofultraviolet wavelengths in the range of ultraviolet wavelengths (e.g.,between approximately 10 nm and approximately 400 nm) and higherintensity levels. In an embodiment, the intensity range can be betweenapproximately 1 milliwatt/m² and approximately 10 watt/m². In a morespecific embodiment, the ultraviolet wavelength and intensity levels forthe disinfection operating configuration 50B can be betweenapproximately 250-290 nm and approximately 20 microwatt/cm² or higher,respectively, and the ultraviolet light can be applied for approximately20 minutes. In this case, the dosage of ultraviolet radiation for thedisinfection operating configuration 50B can be approximately 24milliJoule/cm². However, it is understood that this is only illustrativeand a dosage can be at least approximately 16 miliJoule/cm². Theethylene decomposition operating configuration 50C can require evenhigher intensity levels and the disinfection operating configuration 50Band a relatively low ultraviolet wavelength of approximately 230-270 nm.In an embodiment, the intensity range can be between approximately 1milliwatt/m² and approximately 1000 watt/m².

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative system including an ultraviolet radiationsystem 10 according to an embodiment. The computer system 20 isconfigured to control the ultraviolet radiation source 12 to directultraviolet radiation 13 into a storage area 54 of a storage device 52,within which a set of items 56 are located. The feedback component 14 isconfigured to acquire data used to monitor a set of current conditionsof the storage area 54 and/or the items 56 over a period of time. Asillustrated, the feedback component 14 can include a plurality ofsensing devices 16, each of which can acquire data used by the computersystem 20 to monitor the set of current conditions.

In an embodiment, the sensing devices 16 include at least one of avisual camera or a chemical sensor. The visual camera can acquire data(e.g., visual, electronic, and/or the like) used to monitor the storagearea 54 and/or one or more of the items 56 located therein, while thechemical sensor can acquire data (e.g., chemical, electronic, and/or thelike) used to monitor the storage area 54 and/or one or more of theitems 56 located therein. The set of current conditions of the storagearea 54 and/or items 56 can include the color or visual appearance ofthe items 56, the presence of microorganisms within the storage area 54,and/or the like. In an embodiment, the visual camera comprises afluorescent optical camera. In this case, when the computer system 20 isoperating the UV radiation source 12 in the storage life preservationoperating configuration 50A (FIG. 2), the visual camera can be operatedto detect the presence of microorganisms as they fluoresce in theultraviolet light. In an embodiment, the chemical sensor is an infraredsensor, which is capable of detecting any combination of one or moregases, such as ethylene, ethylene oxide, and/or the like. However, it isunderstood that a visual camera and a chemical sensor are onlyillustrative of various types of sensors that can be implemented. Forexample, the sensing devices 16 can include one or more mechanicalsensors (including piezoelectric sensors, various membranes,cantilevers, a micro-electromechanical sensor or MEMS, a nanomechanicalsensor, and/or the like), which can be configured to acquire any ofvarious types of data regarding the storage area 54 and/or items 56located therein. In the ethylene decomposition operating configuration50C, the storage device 52 can include a high efficiency ethylenedestruction chamber 55 that includes a high UV reflectivity, high UVintensity radiation chamber for chemical (e.g., ethylene) destruction.In this embodiment, the computer system 20 can operate the one or moredevices in the chamber 55 to destroy ethylene, which may be presentwithin the atmosphere of the storage area 54. The computer system 20 canseparately monitor the ethylene levels and the level of microorganismactivity.

In an embodiment, the sensing devices 16 can also include a load sensorconfigured to detect the load (e.g., the weight) of the one or moreitems 56 located within the storage area 54. A precision of the loadsensor can be +/−10 grams. The load sensor can be located anywherewithin a storage area 54. For example, when the storage device 52includes a storage area with a shelf, such as a refrigerator and/orfreezer (FIG. 4A), a pantry (FIG. 4H), and/or the like, the load sensorcan be located on the shelf. It is understood that if the storage deviceincludes multiple shelves, that each shelf can include a load sensor.For example, in FIG. 13, two shelves 472 are shown in the storage device452 and each shelf 472 can include a load sensor. In another embodiment,each shelf within a storage device 52 can include a set of regions andeach region can include a load sensor that is configured to detect theweight of the one or more items 56 located on the shelf within thatregion. For example, in FIG. 15, the shelf 772 is divided into a firstsub-compartment 76 and a second sub-compartment 78 and eachsub-compartment 76, 78 can include a load sensor. The feedback component14 also can include one or more additional devices. For example, thefeedback component 14 is shown including a logic unit 17. In anembodiment, the logic unit 17 receives data from a set of sensingdevices 16 and provides data corresponding to the set of conditions ofthe storage area 54 and/or items 56 located in the storage area 54 forprocessing by the computer system 20. In a more particular embodiment,the computer system 20 can provide information corresponding to thecurrently selected operating configuration 50 for use by the feedbackcomponent 14. For example, the logic unit 17 can adjust the operation ofone or more of the sensing devices 16, operate a unique subset of thesensing devices 16, and/or the like, according to the currently selectedoperating configuration 50. In response to data received from thefeedback component 14, the computer system 20 can automatically adjustand control one or more aspects of the ultraviolet radiation 13generated by the ultraviolet radiation source 12 according to thecurrently selected operating configuration 50.

In an embodiment, the logic unit 17 can receive data corresponding tothe weight of the items 56 located within the storage area 54 forprocessing by the computer system 20. For example, the logic unit 17 canprovide a weight map to the computer system 20 that shows thedistribution of the weight within the storage area 54. The computersystem 20 can evaluate this data to determine the distribution of theweight of the items 56 across one or more shelves located within thestorage area 54. In an embodiment, the computer system 20 can evaluatethe weight data in combination with data from a visual camera in orderto determine the type of item 56 located in the storage area 54. Thevisual camera can provide a 2-dimensional (2D) or 3-dimensional (3D)image of the items 56 located within the storage area 54. The visualcamera can provide a visual image based on at least one of visiblephotography, infrared photography, ultraviolet photography, and/or thelike.

In an embodiment, the system 10 can include visible and/or infrared (IR)sources 15 which can be controlled by the computer system 20 to generatelight 25 directed within the storage area 54. For example, the computersystem 20 can control the visible source 15 to generate light 25 withwavelengths configured to increase photosynthesis in one or more fooditems 56. Additionally, the computer system 20 can control the IR source15 to generate light 25 directed onto certain foods to locally increasethe temperature of the food items 56. The visible and/or IR source 15also can generate light 25 to excite fluorescence from microorganismsthat may be present on items 56, so that a sensing device 16 of thefeedback component 14 can detect the microorganisms. Furthermore, thevisible and/or IR source 15 can generate light 25 to facilitate a target(e.g., optimal) photocatalytic reaction for the catalyst 59.

As described herein, embodiments can be implemented as part of any ofvarious types of storage systems. FIGS. 4A-4H show illustrative storagedevices for use with an ultraviolet radiation system 10 (FIG. 1)according to embodiments. For example, the storage device can be arefrigerator and/or freezer (FIG. 4A) for storing a plurality of fooditems. Alternatively, the storage device can be a container forbiological objects (FIG. 4B). The storage device can be a cooler (FIG.4C), a backpack (FIG. 4D), a food container (FIG. 4E), a plastic bag(FIG. 4F), a lunchbox (FIG. 4G), a pantry (FIG. 4H, e.g., a shelf in thepantry), and/or the like. In each case, an embodiment of the system 10can be implemented in conjunction therewith using any solution. To thisextent, it is understood that embodiments of the system 10 can varysignificantly in the number of devices, the size of the devices, thepower requirements for the system, and/or the like. Regardless, it isunderstood that these are only exemplary storage devices and that thesystem 10 may be applicable to other storage devices not specificallymentioned herein.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a system 2010 caninclude a storage device 2052 with a shelf 2072. A set of boxes 2054 canbe located on the shelf 2072. Although only one box 2054 is shown, it isunderstood that the storage device 2052 can include any number of boxeson the shelf 2072. Each box 2054 includes a set of openings 2058 thatcan be located anywhere on the surface of the box 2054. An ultravioletradiation source 2012 is located above the shelf 2072 and includes aplurality of emitters 2014. The ultraviolet radiation source 2012 isconfigured to generate ultraviolet radiation in a pattern thatcorresponds to the location of the set of openings 2056 on the side ofthe box 2054 that faces the ultraviolet radiation source 2012, so thatthe ultraviolet radiation radiates onto the set of items 2056 within thebox 2054. The location of the set of openings 2058 can be determinedusing a sensing device 16 (FIG. 3) (e.g., a visual camera). In anotherembodiment, the location of the set of openings 2058 can be determinedusing reflectivity measurements from the box 2054. For instance, the box2054 can be scanned by a laser and the reflected light can be used todetermine if the set of openings 2058 in the box 2054 have been located.Such measurements are well known in the art of 3D scanning, for example.

For a set of items with a short storage time (e.g., strawberries),exposing only a portion of the set of items to ultraviolet radiation caninduce an overall beneficial effect on the storage life for the set ofitems. Turning now to FIG. 6, a first basket of strawberries 2056A and asecond basket of strawberries 2056B are located on a shelf 2072. It isunderstood that this shelf 2072 can be located in any type of storagedevice described herein. Furthermore, although it is not shown, it isunderstood that the first and/or second basket of strawberries 2056A,2056B can be located within a box, such as the box 2054 shown in FIG. 5.As mentioned above, the shelf 2072 can include a load sensor configuredto detect the load (e.g., the weight), and an approximate volume, of theitems 2056A, 2056B located on the shelf 2072. The sensing device 16(FIG. 3) can also include a visual camera for detecting an exposed areaof the set of items 2056A, 2056B. In an embodiment, if the exposed areais sufficient for inducing an overall preservation of one or more of theitems 2056A, 2056B, then ultraviolet radiation is generated to treat theitems 2056A, 2056B. If the exposed area is not sufficient for inducingan overall preservation of the items 2056A, 2056B, an alarm component 23(FIG. 1) can generate an alarm to indicate that the items 2056A, 2056Bshould be spread out over a larger area before ultraviolet radiation isused. In an embodiment, fluorescent signals induced by radiation can beevaluated in order to determine a set of attributes regarding a set ofitems within the storage area. Turning now to FIG. 7, a system 3010 caninclude a set of ultraviolet radiation sources 3012A, a set of visiblelight sources 30126, and a set of fluorescent sensors 3016A, 3016B. Thefirst fluorescent sensor 3016A can be configured to detect a fluorescentsignal due to the ultraviolet radiation from the set of ultravioletradiation sources 3016A, while the second fluorescent sensor 3016B canbe configured to detect a fluorescent signal due to the visibleradiation from the set of visible light sources 3012B. In an embodiment,the fluorescent signal induced by each of the radiation sources arecompared to determine the set of attributes regarding the set of items3056, such as the presence of flavonoids, flavones, and/or the like.While the set of items 3056 are shown as located directly on a shelf3072, it is understood that the set of items 3056 can be first placed ina storage area with walls (e.g., a box, such as the box 2056 in FIG. 7)in order to provide more control.

As seen in the flow chart of FIG. 8A, it is understood that other inputparameters in addition to ultraviolet radiation and visible light can beused in a feedback loop (e.g., feedback component 14 in FIG. 3) todetermine the set of attributes regarding the set of items within thestorage area. For example, as seen in FIG. 8C, in addition toultraviolet radiation and visible light, the input parameters caninclude adjusting a humidity (Water Input), a temperature (AirTemperature Input), a concentration of gas (e.g., ethylene, carbondioxide (CO₂), and/or the like) (CO₂ input), using an environmentalcontrol component 18 (FIG. 3). It is understood that the inputparameters can be changed according to the sensing devices 16 (FIG. 3).The fluorescent signals are measured and used by the computer system(e.g., computer system 20 in FIG. 3) to determine the set of attributes.In an embodiment, a Fluorescent Test (FT), as known in the art, can beused. As shown in FIG. 8C, the set of items 3056 are first radiated byultraviolet radiation using the set of ultraviolet radiation sources3012A and then secondly radiated by visible light using the set ofvisible light sources 3012B. In FIG. 8C, the UV radiation is shown asshifted in phase with visible radiation. A first fluorescent signal issensed using the first fluorescent sensor 3016A, and then a secondfluorescent signal is sensed using the second fluorescent sensor 3016B.The ratio of the second and the first fluorescent signals (FT ratio) isused to determine the presence of flavonoids. Large ratios indicate alarger presence of flavonoids, while smaller ratios indicate a smallerflavonoid content.

As seen in FIG. 8B, the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 3012A (FIG.7) can include peak wavelengths at 275 nm and 295 nm, while the set ofvisible light sources 3012B (FIG. 7) can include peak wavelengths at 430nm and 650 nm. The UV peak wavelengths are responsible for disinfectionand food preservation, and visible light can promote physio-chemicalresponse in the plant such as photosynthesis.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a storage area 4052 according to anotherembodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the radiation exposure area forthe set of items 4056 can be increased in order to increase thebeneficial effects of the radiation. In this embodiment, the storagearea 4052 includes a net 4020 that is suspended between a first wall4060A and a second wall 4060B. In this embodiment, a bottom shelf 4072Aand a top shelf 4072B can be located under and over the net 4020. Eachof the shelves 4072A, 4072B can include a set of ultraviolet radiationsources (not shown) in order to direct ultraviolet radiation at the setof items 4056 from both the top and the bottom.

Turning now to FIG. 10, an illustrative storage device 8052 according toanother embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, an ultravioletradiation source 8012 including a plurality of emitters 8013 ispositioned over a shelf 8072. A storage container (e.g., box) 8054including a set of items (e.g., strawberries) 8056 is located on top ofthe shelf 8072. Although only one storage container 8054 is shown on theshelf 8072, it is understood that any number of storage containers canbe located on the shelf. In an embodiment, the storage container 8054may be formed of a UV transparent material, such as a UV transparentfluoropolymer, so that the set of items 8056 located within the storagecontainer 8054 can be exposed to the ultraviolet radiation generated bythe ultraviolet radiation source 8012. For example, the storagecontainer 8054 can be formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) resin, ethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethene (PCTFE),perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA) resins, polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF),ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), MFA, ethylene tetrafluoroethylenehexafluoropropylene fluoroterpolymer (EFEP), THV, HTE, silicon-basedpolymers, quarts, cellophane, and/or the like. In an embodiment, thestorage container 8054 can be formed of any material that is partiallytransparent to radiation in the wavelength range of 200-380 nanometers.In an embodiment, for a storage container wall formed of a thin film ofmaterial (e.g., approximately 200 microns or less), the transmissionrate can be at least 30%.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a polymer including recurringtetrafluoroethylene monomer units whose formula is [CF2-CF2]n. PTFE doesnot melt to form a liquid and cannot be melt extruded. On heating thevirgin resin, it forms a clear, coalescent gel at 626° F.±18° (330°C.±15°). Once processed, the gel point (often referred to as the meltingpoint) is 18° F. (10° C.) lower than that of the virgin resin. PTFE isgenerally sold as a granular powder, a fine powder, or an aqueousdispersion. Each is processed in a different manner.

Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) resin is a copolymer oftetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene with the formula[(CF(CF3)-CF2)x(CF2-CF2)y]n. FEP has a melting point range of 473°-536°F. (245°-280° C.) and is melt processible. FEP is supplied in the formof translucent pellets, powder, or as an aqueous dispersion.

Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) is a copolymer of ethylene andchlorotrifluoroethylene having the formula [(CH2-CH2)x-(CFCl—CF2)y]n.ECTFE has a melting point range of 428°-473° F. (220°-245° C.) and ismelt processible. ECTFE is available in the form of translucent pelletsand as a fine powder.

Polychlorotrifluoroethene (PCTFE) is a polymer ofchlorotrifluoroethylene with the formula [CF2-CFCl]n. PCTFE has amelting point range of 410°-428° F. (210°-220° C.) and is meltprocessible. PCTFE is available in pellet, granular and powder form.

Perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA) resins are copolymers of TFE fluorocarbonmonomers containing perfluoroalkoxy side chains. PFA melts at 536° F.(280° C.) minimum and is melt processible. PFA is available in the formof pellets, powder, and as an aqueous dispersion.

Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) is a homopolymer of vinylidene fluoridehaving the formula [CH2-CF2]n or a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride andhexafluoropropylene having the formula [CF(CF3)-CF2)x(CH2-CF2)y]n.Copolymers of vinylidene fluoride are also produced with (1)chlorotrifluoroethylene, (2) tetrafluoroethylene, and (3)tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene. These are all sold as PVDFcopolymers. PVDF polymers/copolymers melt at 194°-352° F. (90°-178° C.),are melt processible, and are supplied in the form of powder, pellets,and dispersions.

Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is a copolymer of ethylene andtetrafluoroethylene of the formula [(CF2-CF2)x-(CH2-CH2)y]n. ETFE meltsat 428° F. (220° C.) minimum. ETFE is melt processible and is suppliedin pellet and powder form. A fluorine based plastic, ETFE (ethylenetetrafluoroethylene) offers impressive corrosion resistance and strengthover a very wide temperature range. Since ETFE is melt processible, itcan be utilized in a vast range of applications.

MFA is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoromethylvinylether.MFA belongs to the generic class of PFA polymers. MFA melts at 536°-554°F. (280°-290° C.). MFA is available in the form of translucent pelletsand aqueous dispersions.

Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene fluoroterpolymer (EFEP)is a copolymer of ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, and hexafluoropropylenewith the formula [(CH2-CH2)x(CF2-CF2)y(CF(CF3)-CF2)z]n. EFEP polymersmelt at 311°-464° F. (155-240° C.), are melt processible, and aresupplied in pellet form.

THV is a copolymer containing tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropyleneand vinylidenefluoride. THV is melt-processible with melting points from240° to 455° F. (115° to 235° C.) depending on grade. THV is availablein pellet, agglomerate or aqueous dispersions.

HTE is a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoroethylene, andethylene. HTE is melt processible with melting points from 310° to 420°F. (155° to 215° C.) depending on grade, and is available in pellet oragglomerate form.

Some illustrative fluoropolymers are marketed under the brand namesTeflon® AF (an amorphous fluoroplastic) offered by E. I. du Pont deNemours and Company and Cytop® (an amorphous fluoropolymer) offered byBellex International Corporation, which are currently sold as liquidsolutions or gels.

In an embodiment, an optoelectronic device can include an ultraviolettransparent fluoropolymer, such as one of fluoropolymers discussedherein. In a more specific embodiment, the optoelectronic deviceoperates at a peak ultraviolet wavelength. Several important factors formaterials utilized in packaging an ultraviolet optoelectronic deviceinclude: transparency to ultraviolet radiation; stability to exposure toultraviolet radiation, which can translate into a long operatinglifetime for the material and the device without significant changes inoptical, mechanical or chemical properties; a capability to protect thedevice from the environment, which can include mechanical dexterity andchemical inertness; and adhesion to surfaces of the optoelectronicdevice. In a more specific embodiment, a highly ultraviolet transparentfluoropolymer is utilized in the packaging. Such polymers are availableand have a long lifetime when exposed to ultraviolet light.

However, it is understood that aspects of the invention are not limitedto any particular material or group of materials listed herein. To thisextent, numerous other materials or their combinations and solutionsexist which can have appropriate properties and be utilized as describedherein. For example, various polymers can be mixed, and variousadditional compounds can be added to the polymers (primarily when in themelted stage) to alter their mechanical, thermal, chemical and/oroptical properties.

Furthermore, it is understood that other UV transparent materials(besides fluoropolymers) can be used to form the storage container 8054.In an embodiment, such materials can include silicon dioxide (SiO₂)containers, other UV transparent glass containers, and/or the like.

Turning now to FIG. 11, an illustrative storage device 8152 according toanother embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the storage device 8152can include a plurality of shelves 8172A-C. Although three shelves areshown, it is understood that the storage device 8152 can include anynumber of one or more shelves. It is also understood that each of theplurality of shelves 8172A-C can hold any number of items 8156A-B. Theitems 8156A-B can be any item susceptible to spoilage, including but notlimited to food items, such as strawberries, blueberries, lettuce,cherries, and/or the like, that are affected by UV radiation that spansall wavelengths including UV-C, UV-B, and UV-A wavelengths. Any of theitems 8156A-B can be contained within a UV transparent container8154A-B, similar to the storage container 8054 shown in FIG. 10. In anembodiment, the spacing between each shelf 8172A-C is adjusted so thatthe vertical distance between the plurality of shelves 8172A-C is largerthan the height of the container 8154A-B and the items 8156A-B. In anembodiment, all of the shelves except for the last shelf (e.g., shelves8172A and 8172B and not shelf 8172C can include a set of ultravioletradiation emitters 8113. For example, the set of ultraviolet radiationsources can be located on the bottom of each shelf 8172A-B and radiateultraviolet radiation directed down towards the set of items 8156A-Blocated below each shelf 8172A-B, so only shelves 8172A-B would includethe set of ultraviolet radiation sources.

Turning now to FIG. 12A, an illustrative ultraviolet radiation source8212 according to an embodiment is shown. It is understood that theultraviolet radiation source 8212 can be included in the ultravioletradiation system for any storage device discussed herein. Theultraviolet radiation source 8212 includes a set of ultraviolet lightemitting diodes 8214 and electronic drivers 8216 configured to deliver aspecific power and time schedule to each of the ultraviolet lightemitting diodes 8214. In FIG. 12B, an illustrative ultraviolettransparent enclosure 8218 for enclosing the ultraviolet radiationsource 8212 according to an embodiment is shown. The ultraviolettransparent enclosure 8218 can be formed of any ultraviolet transparentmaterial (e.g., a fluoropolymer). In an embodiment, the ultraviolettransparent enclosure 8218 is anti-befouled, wherein anti-befouled isdefined as a surface that resists befouling.

Turning now to FIG. 13, an exemplary power distribution plot fromseveral ultraviolet radiation sources is shown. In this embodiment, theultraviolet radiation sources are positioned in parallel. Theultraviolet radiation sources are designed to deliver a relativelyuniform intensity of illumination at a distance characteristics to thedistance between the ultraviolet radiation source and the item to bedisinfected. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation source canprovide a means for gradual changes of the ultraviolet exposurewavelength and intensities as functions of storage time. Feedback datacan be acquired through the use of optical or fluorescent sensors thatcan detect the evolution of the produce during the produce storage. Suchsources and detectors can be operated based on the changes in observedcolor, changes of fluorescence, identification of color changes atvarious places over the surfaces, and/or the like. In general, asdiscussed herein, the ultraviolet radiation source may include UV-Aand/or violet light, as well as visible and/or infra-red illuminatingsources for produce treatment, sensing of changes in color, as well asto illuminate the item in a favorable light for customer satisfaction.It is understood that radiation patterns can be adjusted, depending onthe type of item (e.g., produce) present at a specific location. In sucha case, the ultraviolet radiation system can include a set of opticalsensors capable of image recognition.

It is understood that different storage devices can be used to storeitems for use with an ultraviolet radiation system according toembodiments discussed herein. For example, turning now to FIG. 14, anillustrative storage device 8352 according to an embodiment is shown.The storage device 8352 includes a basket 8360, a first cover 8362located over the basket 8360, and a second cover 8364 located over thefirst cover 8362. The basket 8360, the first cover 8362, and the secondcover 8364 can all be formed of a mesh and the openings in the mesh canbe as large as 99% of the surface area of the first cover 8362. The meshis designed with an opening with a characteristics size that is smallerthan a characteristic size of an item (not shown) stored within thebasket 8360 to ensure that that basket 8360 can contain the items, whilestill allowing ultraviolet radiation to go through the openings. Themesh can be of any suitable material that can support holding the item.For instance, the mesh can be made of plastic, fiberglass, or metal.

Turning now to FIG. 15, an illustrative mesh 8366 according to anembodiment is shown. The mesh 8366 can be used to fabricate one or moreof the components of the storage device 8352 shown in FIG. 14. Forexample, the mesh 8366 can be used for the first cover 8362 in FIG. 14.The mesh 8366 is formed of an ultraviolet transparent material and hasan elastic rubber siding 8368 so that the mesh 8366 can be securelyplaced around the basket 8360 in FIG. 14. In an embodiment, the elasticrubber siding 8368 can be automatically placed around a mesh basket 8360or any suitable storage device as discussed herein, e.g., by using arobotic system. The elasticity and strength of the elastic rubber siding8368 is selected to be commensurable with the strength of the walls ofthe storage device 8352 to make sure that the elastic rubber siding 8368does not crumble the storage device 8352.

In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation source 12 can include aplurality of ultraviolet light emitters located in various locationsadjacent to a storage area. To this extent, FIG. 16 shows a partialcross-sectional perspective view of an illustrative storage device 152according to an embodiment. The storage device 152 includes a storagearea 154 for containing at least one item 56. As shown in the figure, aplurality of ultraviolet radiation emitters 12 are located within thestorage area 154. The storage device 152 can be comprised of multiplelayers. The layers can protect other storage areas and/or components ofthe storage device 152 from ultraviolet radiation and/or increase theefficiency of the ultraviolet radiation within the storage area 154. Thelayers do not allow UV radiation to escape from the storage area 154.For example, an ultraviolet transparent wall 57 can surround the storagearea 154 within which the ultraviolet radiation emitters 12 are located.A hollow region 58 can be located between the ultraviolet transparentwall 57 and a highly reflective wall 64.

The highly reflective wall 64 can reflect and/or absorb the UVradiation. The highly reflective wall can include a reflectivity of morethan approximately 50% as measured for the UV radiation at the normalincidence direction. Approximately 20% of the volume of the hollowregion 58 can include a refractive index lower than that of theultraviolet transparent wall 57. A plurality of elements 60 can protrudefrom the ultraviolet transparent wall 57 into the hollow region 58. Theplurality of elements 60 can include high/low index interfaces 62.During operation, once the ultraviolet radiation emitters 12 shineultraviolet light into the storage area 154, the high/low indexinterfaces 60 and the highly reflective wall 64 reflect ultravioletlight back into the storage area 154. The ultraviolet transparent wall57 can be made of one or more materials that allow ultraviolet radiationto pass through, such as fused silica, an amorphous fluoroplastic (e.g.,Teflon by Dupont), and/or the like. Other illustrative materials includealumina sol-gel glass, alumina aerogel, sapphire, aluminum nitride(e.g., single crystal aluminum nitride), boron nitride (e.g., singlecrystal boron nitride), and/or the like. The outer reflective wall 64can be made of one or more materials that reflects ultravioletradiation, such as polished aluminum, a highly ultraviolet reflectiveexpanding polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane (e.g., GORE® DiffuseReflector Material), and/or the like.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of another illustrative storagedevice 252 according to an embodiment. The storage device 252 is shownincluding an inner ultraviolet radiation transparent enclosure 66surrounding a storage area 254. The inner ultraviolet radiationtransparent enclosure 66 allows ultraviolet radiation emitted fromultraviolet radiation emitters 12 to reach items 56 located within thestorage area 254. An outer ultraviolet radiation reflective wall 66surrounds the inner ultraviolet radiation transparent enclosure 66 andblocks the ultraviolet radiation from exiting the storage device 252.The ultraviolet radiation emitters 12 can be located between the innerultraviolet radiation transparent enclosure 66 and the outer ultravioletradiation reflective wall 68.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show perspective views of illustrative storage devices352 according to other embodiments. In this case, each storage device352 is shown as having a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape forthe storage device 352 can allow for increased reflectivity ofultraviolet radiation back into the storage area 354 and onto the storeditems from various sides/angles. Furthermore, the cylindrical shape canincrease the surface area of items 56 that are exposed to ultravioletradiation. The cylindrical shaped storage device 352 can be utilized tostore, for example, medium sized round food items, such as apples,tomatoes, and/or the like. However, it is understood that the storagedevice 352 can include any shape and size. The storage device 352 inFIGS. 18A and 18B includes a sliding door 70 for access to the storagearea within which items 56 may be located.

A computer system 20 (FIG. 1) can be configured to control theultraviolet radiation sources 12, such that when sliding door 70 isopened, the ultraviolet radiation sources 12 are turned off. Oncesliding door 70 is closed, the ultraviolet radiation sources 12 areturned back on. Although not shown, the storage device 352 may alsoinclude an inner ultraviolet radiation transparent enclosure and anouter ultraviolet radiation reflective wall, as shown and describedherein. Furthermore, the storage device 352 can include a shelf 72 forthe items 56. In an embodiment, the shelf 72 is formed of an ultravioletradiation transparent material so that the items 56 located on the shelf72 can be subjected to ultraviolet radiation from any direction. FIG. 19shows a cross-sectional view of an illustrative storage device 452according to an embodiment. In this case, the storage device 452includes a plurality of ultraviolet radiation transparent shelves 472for a plurality of items 56. The shelves 472 can be entirely or onlypartially located within the storage device 452. Additionally, theultraviolet radiation sources 12 can be located within each of theultraviolet radiation transparent shelves 472.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show cross-sectional views of illustrative storagedevices 552, 652, respectively, according to still other embodiments. Inthis case, the plurality of ultraviolet radiation transparent shelves572, 672, respectively, include a plurality of dimensioned depressions74. The dimensioned depressions 74 can be sized for any desired item tobe stored thereon. For example, in FIG. 20A, the dimensioned depressions74 are sized for strawberries 54. In FIG. 20B, the dimensioneddepressions 74 are sized for blueberries 54. The dimensioned depressions74 can also be sized, for example, for raspberries, kiwi fruit,broccoli, cauliflower, and/or the like. While each shelf 572, 672 isshown having multiple depressions of the same size, it is understoodthat a shelf 572, 672 can have any number of depressions of any ofvarious sizes. The dimensioned depressions 74 can be configured toincrease an amount of power of the ultraviolet radiation directed ontothe item(s) stored therein. For example, a transparent depression canallow ultraviolet light to pass through the sides of the depressiondirected toward the stored item. Additionally, the depressions canprevent the stored items from touching one another, thereby increasingan amount of the surface area that can be illuminated by ultravioletradiation.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of an illustrative storage device 752according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the storage device 752can include a plurality of sub-compartments that areindividually/separately monitored by the computer system 20 (FIG. 1)using the feedback component 14 (FIG. 1). It is understood that theplurality of sub-compartments can be located within an inner ultravioletradiation transparent enclosure, such as the enclosure 66 shown in FIG.17. Furthermore, the ultraviolet radiation sources 12 in eachsub-compartment can be individually controlled by the computer system20. For example, a shelf 772 can be partitioned into a firstsub-compartment 76 and a second sub-compartment 78, which are separatedby a divider 80. Each of the plurality of sub-compartments 76, 78 caninclude the same type of UV sources 12.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21, the first sub-compartment 76 caninclude a first type of UV source 12A, and the second sub-compartment 78can include a second type of UV source 12B. The computer system 20 cancontrol the UV sources 12A, 12B, such that the first sub-compartment 76is subjected to a first operating configuration and the secondsub-compartment 78 is subjected to a second operating configuration. Theparticular operating configuration for each sub-compartment can differ.Furthermore, the computer system 20 can control the UV source 12A tohave a first intensity and a first wavelength, and control the UV source12B to have a second intensity and a second wavelength. For example, theUV source 12A can include a full intensity, while the UV source 12Bincludes a zero intensity. Conversely, the UV source 12A can include azero intensity, while the UV source 12B includes a full intensity.Furthermore, the computer system 20 can independently tune the relativeintensities of each UV source 12A, 12B, and either UV source 12A, 12Bcan have any intensity between zero and full.

Additionally, the shelves 772 may revolve, e.g., via a motor 80. Themotor 80 may be controlled by the computer system 20 and rotateaccording to a timing schedule, such that the first sub-compartment 76and the second sub-compartment 78 each receive ultraviolet light emittedby one of the UV sources 12A, 12B according to a particular operatingconfiguration at a specific time. Although UV sources 12A, 12B are shownas mounted above the shelf 772, it is understood that UV sources canalso be within the shelf 772, below the shelf 772, and/or the like.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of another illustrative storage device852 according to an embodiment. The storage device 852 can be attachedto a gyroscopic suspension 82 so that the storage device 852 can rotate.As the storage device 852 rotates, ultraviolet radiation fromultraviolet radiation sources 12 can thoroughly illuminate any itemslocated within the storage device 852 from all angles.

Returning to FIG. 3, it is understood that the system 10 may include apower component 19 that is implemented separately from the storagedevice 52 to supply power to one or more of the various components ofsystem 10, such as ultraviolet radiation sources 12, motor 80 (FIG. 21),feedback component 14, computer system 20, and/or the like. For example,the storage device 52 may comprise a cooler or the like, which does notinclude or otherwise require any power source. Furthermore, the storagedevice 52 may comprise a power source that is insufficient to operatethe various devices of system 10 in addition to maintaining one or moreaspects of the environment within the storage area 54 for a desiredperiod of time. Regardless, the power component 19 can be utilized tooperate system 10. The power component 19 can comprise any source ofpower including, but not limited to, the power grid, a battery set, anautomotive charger, a solar cell, and/or the like. In an embodiment, thecomputer system 20 can implement multiple modes of operation dependingon the source of power. In particular, when a power component 19 oflimited capacity is being utilized, one or more functions of system 10can be disabled and/or reduced to lengthen an operating time for system10. For example, use of ultraviolet radiation source 12 to prolong thelife of items within the storage area 54 or disinfect the storage area54 by generating a higher intensity of ultraviolet radiation can bedisabled.

An environment within the storage area 54 can be controlled by anenvironmental control component 18. In an illustrative implementation,the environmental control component 18 can comprise a temperaturecontrol module, a humidity control module, and/or a convection controlmodule. During normal operation of the environmental control component18, a user 6 (FIG. 1) (e.g., using external interface component 26B) canselect a desired temperature, humidity, and/or the like, to maintainwithin storage area 54. The environmental control component 18 cansubsequently operate one or more cooling/heating components oftemperature control module to maintain the desired temperature, operateone or more humidifying/dehumidifying components of humidity controlmodule to maintain the desired humidity, operate one or more air orfluid convection components (e.g., fan, pump, vent, valve, etc.) ofconvection control module to assist in maintaining a relatively eventemperature/humidity within storage area 54, and/or the like.Alternatively, local temperature control within storage area 54 can bemaintained by cool air recirculation that is controlled by theenvironmental control component 18.

In an embodiment, the sensing device 16 can also include a humiditysensor that is configured to detect a humidity level within the storagearea 54. In an embodiment, the computer system 20 can adjust thehumidity level via the environmental control component 18 based on theweight distribution of the items 56 located within the storage area 54(e.g., based on the data received by a load sensor). The sensing device16 can also include a temperature sensor that is configured to detect atemperature within the storage area 54. In an embodiment, thetemperature at which ultraviolet radiation is generated is at roomtemperature or at a temperature in the range of room temperature to astandard refrigerator's temperature. For example, the temperature of thestorage area 54 can be approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is thetemperature that is typically maintained in a grocery store. In anembodiment, the sensing device 16 can also include an ozone sensor. Theozone sensor can be configured to detect a level of ozone within theambient. The ozone sensor can be located close to the ultravioletradiation sources 12 for ozone level control.

The computer system 20 can be configured to adjust one or more operatingparameters of the environmental control component 18 based on a set ofcurrent conditions in the storage area 54 and/or an operatingconfiguration of the UV radiation source 12. For example, the computersystem 20 can adjust one or more of: a temperature, a humidity, a gasconvection, and/or a fluid convection of the storage area 54 in responseto a set of biological activity dynamics and according to a currentlyselected operating configuration. In an embodiment where the storagearea 54 includes a plurality of sub-compartments (e.g., FIG. 21), thecomputer system 20 can individually control the temperature, humidity,gas chemical composition, UV intensity and spectra in eachsub-compartment. To this extent, each operating configuration canfurther define a set of target environmental conditions for use duringthe UV illumination. Such environmental conditions can include a targettemperature, a target humidity, additional illumination bynon-ultraviolet sources (e.g., visible, infrared), air circulation,and/or the like.

Furthermore, one or more of the environmental conditions can change overtime during implementation of the operating configuration. In anillustrative embodiment, the computer system 20 can operate theenvironmental control component 18 to circulate air into the chamber 55,e.g., during implementation of the ethylene decomposition operatingconfiguration. Furthermore, the set of current conditions in the storagearea 54 can include an operating condition of one or more components ofthe system 10, such as the ultraviolet radiation source(s) 12.Information regarding the operating condition can be used to, forexample, notify a user 6 of a problem using the alarm component 23,alter one or more aspects of an operating configuration, and/or thelike. Additionally, the set of current conditions in the storage area 54can include data corresponding to a dose of ultraviolet radiationdelivered by an ultraviolet radiation source 12 during a predeterminedtime period. In this case, the computer system 20 can dynamicallydetermine when to turn off the ultraviolet radiation source 12.

It is understood that the set of current conditions in the storage area54 can include one or more attributes corresponding to a set ofbiological activity dynamics present within the storage area. The set ofbiological activity dynamics can include, for example, a presence ofbiological activity (e.g., exponential bacterial growth), a location ofthe biological activity, a type of biological activity (e.g., type oforganism), a concentration of the biological activity, an estimatedamount of time an organism has been in a growth phase (e.g., exponentialgrowth and/or stationary), and/or the like. The set of biologicalactivity dynamics can include information on the variation of thebiological activity over time, such as a growth rate, a rate with whichan area including the biological activity is spreading, and/or the like.In an embodiment, the set of biological activity dynamics are related tovarious attributes of bacteria activity within an area, including, forexample, the presence of detectable bacteria activity, measured bacteriapopulation/concentration time dynamics, growth phase, and/or the like.

As described herein, aspects of the invention can be implemented totreat (e.g., preserve, disinfect, and/or the like) various types of foodstored in various types of environments. A typical environment cancomprise a refrigerated environment, in which food is frequently storedto extend the shelf life of the food. However, embodiments can beimplemented in other non-refrigerated environments, in which food isstored for a period of time, e.g., to ripen, prior to being used, and/orthe like. Furthermore, an embodiment can be implemented in conjunctionwith a freezer, in which the temperature is maintained well below thefreezing point of water. To this extent, the types of food items towhich aspects of the invention can be implemented can include varioustypes of food as described herein. As described herein, the foods caninclude various types of fruits and vegetables. However, the foods alsocan include frozen consumables, such as ice cubes, ice cream, and/or thelike. Furthermore, the foods can include liquids, grains, cereals,and/or the like. Additionally, as described herein, embodiments can beimplemented to treat non-food items stored in any type of environment.Such non-food items can include, for example, frozen/liquid chemicals,sand, wood, and/or the like. Regardless, it is understood that a treateditem can be ultraviolet transparent (e.g., semi-transparent),ultraviolet absorbing, and/or ultraviolet reflective.

In an embodiment, the computer system 20 can be configured to operatethe UV radiation source 12 (e.g., during the storage life preservationoperating configuration 50A) to generate ultraviolet radiation to, forexample, maintain and/or increase natural phenols, including one or moretypes of flavonoids, in the food items 56 within the storage area 54. Inthis case, the computer system 20 can increase the nutritionalqualities, including antioxidant benefits, and/or increase storage lifeof the food items 56.

As described herein, embodiments of an ultraviolet radiation system canbe implemented as part of and/or in conjunction with any type of storagedevice. In an embodiment, the storage device can include a transparentregion for removably or permanently attaching and/or sealing anultraviolet radiation source. For example, in FIG. 23, a storage device952 can include a removable lid 954 with a transparent region 956 thatis configured to be removably or permanently covered by an ultravioletradiation source 958. Although the storage device 952 and lid 954 areshown as rectangular prism shapes capable of being physically separatedfrom one another, it is understood that the storage device 952 caninclude any shape and access to an interior of the storage device 952can be provided using any solution (e.g., a hinged door, a slidablecover, and/or the like). Furthermore, while the transparent region 956is shown as being located on the lid 954, it is understood that thetransparent region 956 (and therefore the ultraviolet radiation source958) can be located on any combination of one or more surfaces formingthe enclosure.

The removable lid 954 can be attached and/or sealed to the containerportion 950 of the storage device 952 by any means, such as a threadingmechanism, a gasket, and/or the like. The transparent region 956 can beformed of any material that allows at least a portion of the ultravioletradiation generated by the ultraviolet radiation source 958 to passthere through. In an embodiment, the transparent region 956 is formed ofa polymer. FIG. 25 shows a graph of the ultraviolet transmissionproperties (T %) for several polymers. In an embodiment, the transparentregion 956 includes a transparency of at least 50% of the ultravioletradiation emitted by the ultraviolet radiation source 958 at a normalincidence. For example, the transparent region 956 can include a UVtransparent material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinatedethylene propylene (FEP), fluorinated ethylene-propylene (EFEP),low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polylactic acid (PLA), polystyrene(PS), a sheet of regenerated cellulose (e.g., Cellophane), and/or thelike. In an embodiment, when the ultraviolet radiation source 958 isremoved, the storage device 952 (e.g., the lid 954 and/or the containerportion 950) can be readily cleaned using any desired solution, e.g.,including a dishwasher. In this case, the materials, including the UVtransparent material, can be selected to withstand repeated washingusing a dishwasher (e.g., PTFE, FEP, and/or the like).

As illustrated in FIG. 24, the ultraviolet radiation source 958 can bepermanently or removably attached to the removable lid 954 using anysolution. For example, the lid 954 can include a set of fixtures 960,which are configured to hold the ultraviolet radiation source 958 in aproper position and/or secure the ultraviolet radiation source 958 tothe lid 954. Illustrative fixtures 960 include, for example, a slidingrail designed for the ultraviolet radiation source 958 to slide into. Inanother embodiment, the fixtures 960 can include plastic clips forsnapping the ultraviolet radiation source 958 into place. The plasticclips can be integrated into the ultraviolet radiation source 958 andsnapped into an opening on the lid 954. In another embodiment, thefixtures 960 can include a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro) toattach the ultraviolet radiation source 958 to the lid 954. Whenattached, the connection between the ultraviolet radiation source 958and the removable lid 954 can provide an airtight connection and theultraviolet radiation source 958 can cover the transparent region 956 sothat ultraviolet radiation does not exit the storage device 952 via thetransparent region 956 and/or exit from a gap between the ultravioletradiation source 958 and the lid 954. In an embodiment, a feedbackcomponent, such as the feedback component 14 in FIG. 3, can be used tomonitor the current set of conditions within the storage area, i.e.,container portion 950 of the storage device 952. For example, thefeedback component 14 can determine whether ultraviolet radiation canexit the storage device 952. In this case, the feedback component 14 candetermine whether the removable lid 954 is securely attached to thecontainer portion 950 of the storage device 952 and/or the ultravioletradiation source 958 completely covers the transparent region 956. Whilethe transparent region 956 has been shown and described in conjunctionwith use of an ultraviolet radiation source 958, it is understood that atransparent region 956 can be utilized in conjunction with a visibleand/or infrared source 15 (FIG. 3) and/or sensing device(s) 16 (FIG. 3).Similarly, a single structure configured to cover a transparent region956 can include any combination of one or more of: the ultravioletradiation source 958, the visible and/or infrared source 15, sensingdevice(s) 16, and/or the like.

Returning to FIG. 23, an interior surface of the walls 951 of theremaining portion of the storage device 952 can be at least 50%reflective to ultraviolet radiation of a relevant wavelength at a normalincidence. Similarly, an interior surface of a remaining portion of theremovable lid 954 (e.g., not including the transparent region 956) canalso be at least 50% reflective to ultraviolet radiation of a relevantwavelength at a normal incidence. In an embodiment, at least a portionof an interior surface of the walls 951 of the storage device 952 caninclude a sterilizing agent or a photo-activated sterilizing agent, suchas TiO₂ and MgO particles, as well as silver or copper nanoparticles,and/or the like, to increase an effectiveness of sterilization of anobject located within the storage device 952. In another embodiment, atleast a portion of the walls 951 of the storage device 952 can include afluorescent agent for the purpose of indicating that the ultravioletradiation is turned on. In an embodiment, the fluorescent agent caninclude fluorescent pigments and dyes, such as LUMW fluorescent pigment,and/or the like.

Turning to FIGS. 26A and 26B, a structure 1052 used to enclose aninterior of a storage device described herein can be configured to emitdiffuse ultraviolet radiation into the interior. For example, asdescribed in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/478,266, the structure 1052can include a plurality of transparent regions 1056 incorporated intoone or more structures 1052 enclosing an interior of the storage device,e.g., including on a removable lid, a side wall, a bottom, and/or thelike, to allow for ultraviolet radiation to be directed into theinterior of the storage device. For example, the structure 1052 can formthe transparent region 956 (FIG. 23), be incorporated as part of theultraviolet radiation source 958 (FIG. 23), and/or the like. Regardless,each of the transparent regions 1056 can be covered by at least oneultraviolet radiation source, e.g., each transparent region 1056 isshown covered by a plurality of ultraviolet radiation sources 1058A-C.The transparent regions 1056 can be completely covered as describedherein so that no ultraviolet radiation escapes from the interior of thecorresponding storage device through the transparent regions 1056 orthrough a gap between the ultraviolet radiation sources 1058A-C and thecorresponding transparent region 1056.

The structure 1052 also can include a set of reflecting mirrors 1060,each of which is located directly beneath a transparent region 1056. Thereflecting mirrors 1060 can comprise a highly diffusive ultravioletradiation material, such as a highly ultraviolet reflective expandedpolytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane (e.g., GORE® Diffuse ReflectorProduct (DRP)), and/or the like. In an embodiment, the reflectingmirrors 1060 can comprise a fluoropolymer, such as fluorinatedethylene-propylene (EFEP), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylenevinylidene fluoride (THV), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE),Teflon, and/or the like. In still another embodiment, the reflectingmirrors 1060 can be partially UV reflecting, partially UV transparent.For example, the reflecting mirrors 1060 can comprise an UV reflectivefilm over an UV transparent film. In an embodiment, the reflectingmirrors 1060 can be configured to provide specular reflection and cancomprise, for example, polished aluminum, and/or the like.

The reflecting mirrors 1060 can diffuse the ultraviolet radiationemitted by the ultraviolet radiation sources 1058A-1058C throughout aninterior the structure 1052 prior to the ultraviolet radiation exitingout an exit surface 1062. The exit surface 1062 of the structure 1052can include a diffusive film to further increase a uniformity of theultraviolet radiation, which can be emitted out the exit surface 1062into an interior of the storage device. In an embodiment, the exitsurface 1062 is at least 40% transparent and at most, 30% absorbent toultraviolet radiation of a relevant wavelength at a normal incidence. Inan embodiment, the exit surface 1062 can also include an opening forultraviolet radiation to exit the structure 1052.

Each of the ultraviolet radiation sources 1058A-C can beselected/engineered to produce an emission with a particular peakradiation wavelength. For example, a first ultraviolet radiation source1058A can produce an emission with a peak wavelength within the UV-Aspectrum, a second ultraviolet radiation source 1058B can produce anemission with a peak wavelength within the UV-B spectrum, and a thirdultraviolet radiation source 1058C can produce an emission with a peakwavelength within the UV-C spectrum. In another embodiment, a singleultraviolet radiation source can be configured to concurrently emitmulti-peak ultraviolet radiation. For example, FIG. 28 shows a schematicof an illustrative band diagram incorporating barriers and quantum wellsof different depth resulting in emission of several wavelengths.

When multiple ultraviolet radiation sources 1058A-C are utilized, theplurality of ultraviolet radiation sources 1058A-C can be arranged inany formation. For example, FIG. 26A shows the ultraviolet radiationsources 1058A-C arranged in a staggered formation. Alternatively, FIG.27 illustrates the ultraviolet radiation sources 1058A-C arranged in ahoneycomb formation. In this case, a larger third ultraviolet radiationsource 1058C can be surrounded by the first ultraviolet radiationsources 1058A and the second ultraviolet radiation sources 1058Barranged in an alternating pattern in the honeycomb formation. However,it is understood that these arrangements are only illustrative ofvarious possible arrangements that can be utilized in embodimentsdescribed herein. While the structure 1052 has been shown and describedin conjunction with use of ultraviolet radiation sources 1058A-C, it isunderstood that a structure 1052 can be utilized in conjunction with avisible and/or infrared source 15 (FIG. 3). Similarly, a singlestructure 1052 can include any combination of one or more of: theultraviolet radiation source 958, the visible and/or infrared source 15,and/or the like.

In an embodiment, a storage device described herein can include sensorsfor acquiring data indicating whether the storage device is in aconfiguration in which it is safe to turn on the ultraviolet radiationsource. For example, in FIG. 29, a storage device 1152 is shownincluding a first sensor 1180 for indicating that the ultravioletradiation source 1158 is securely attached to the removable lid 1154.When securely attached, the ultraviolet radiation source 1158 can beconfigured to completely cover the transparent region 1156 on theremovable lid 1154. The storage device 1152 can also include a secondsensor 1182 for indicating that the removable lid 1154 is securelyattached to the remaining portion of the storage device 1152 so that aninterior of the storage device is completely enclosed. A monitoringand/or control system 1190 can receive and process data acquired by thesensors 1180, 1182 to control the ultraviolet radiation source 1158using any solution (e.g., allow the radiation source 1158 to be turnedon, force a turn off, and/or the like). The monitoring and/or controlsystem 1190 can be wired or wirelessly connected to the ultravioletradiation source 1158, sensors 1180, 1182, and/or other portions of thestorage device 1152.

Additionally, it is understood that an ultraviolet radiation source 1158can be implemented in multiple physical structures, each of whichincludes one or more ultraviolet radiation devices, and can beindependently and/or collectively controlled by the monitoring and/orcontrol system 1190. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 30, a storagedevice 1252 can include more than one transparent region 1256 andcorresponding ultraviolet radiation source 1258. Although not shown, itis understood that the storage device 1252 can include a sensor for eachultraviolet radiation source 1258, e.g., to acquire data indicative ofwhether the ultraviolet radiation source 1258 is properly secured to thestorage device 1252. In response to an indication that at least one ofthe ultraviolet radiation sources 1258 is not securely attached to thestorage device 1252, the monitoring and/or control system 1190 (FIG. 29)can inactivate all of the remaining ultraviolet radiation sources 1258.

As mentioned above in FIG. 4A, an illustrative storage device for usewith an ultraviolet radiation system can include a refrigerator and/orfreezer. For example, an ultraviolet radiation system discussed hereincan be used in a storage drawer of a refrigerator. Turning now to FIG.31, an illustrative drawer 1352 can include a set of ultravioletradiation sources 1358 of an ultraviolet radiation system. Although theset of ultraviolet radiation sources 1358 are shown located on an upperleft side of the drawer 1352, it is understood that the set of radiationsources 1358 can be located anywhere within the drawer 1352. The set ofultraviolet radiation sources 1358 are located in a position within thedrawer 1352, so that during normal use of the refrigerator (FIG. 4A)and/or the drawer 1352, the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 1358 donot obscure the use of the drawer 1352. Furthermore, the set ofultraviolet radiation sources 1358 are located in a position within thedrawer 1352 so that the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 1358 arenot easily visible during normal use of the drawer 1352 and/or therefrigerator.

The ultraviolet radiation sources 1358 can be permanently or removablymounted within the drawer 1352 using any solution. For example, turningnow to FIGS. 32A and 32B, the ultraviolet radiation sources 1358 can bemounted on a reflector 1360, which is attached to an interior surface ofthe drawer 1352. The reflector 1360 can made of any material thatreflects ultraviolet radiation, such as polished aluminum, a highlyultraviolet reflective ePTFE membrane (e.g., GORE® Diffuse ReflectorMaterial), and/or the like. The ultraviolet radiation sources 1358 canbe mounted within a curved portion of the reflector 1360 in order toincrease an amount of ultraviolet radiation that is reflected into thedrawer 1352. The reflector 1360 can be permanently or removably attachedto the interior surface of the drawer 1352 using any solution. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 33, the reflector 1360 can include a segment1362 that slides into a rail system 1364, which is attached to and/orforms a part of the interior surface of the drawer 1352.

Turning now to FIG. 34, in another embodiment, a reflector 1460including a set of ultraviolet radiation sources 1458A-C can becontained within an enclosure 1470 that is partially transparent toultraviolet radiation. In this embodiment, the enclosure 1470 cancompletely surround the reflector 1460. The set of ultraviolet radiationsources 1458A-C within the reflector 1460 can be spaced at distancesthat are smaller than the diameter of an irradiation spot on theenclosure 1470 opposite each ultraviolet radiation source 1458A-C. Theenclosure 1470 can comprise a fluoropolymer, such as EFEP, FEP, PFA,THV, and/or the like. The sides of the enclosure 1470 can be covered bycaps 1472, which include an electrical connection 1474 for powering theset of ultraviolet radiation sources 1458A-C. The enclosure 1470including the reflector 1460 with the set of ultraviolet radiationsources 1458A-C, can be mounted within a drawer, such as the drawer 1352shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B, using any solution. For example, althoughnot shown, the enclosure 1470 can be mounted within a drawer using arail system, such as the rail system 1364 shown in FIG. 33.

Turning now to FIGS. 35A and 35B, light diffusions of illustrativesystems 1452A, 1452B are shown. In this case, the system 1452A includesa set of ultraviolet radiation sources without an enclosure 1470 (FIG.34) and the system 1452B includes a set of ultraviolet radiation sourceswith the enclosure 1470, e.g., an FEP tube. While each system 1452A,1452B is shown including four ultraviolet radiation devices (eachcorresponding to a bright spot), it is understood that this is onlyillustrative. In the system 1452B, the power of the ultravioletradiation diffused through the enclosure 1470 is approximately 5% lessthan the power of the ultraviolet radiation diffused within the system1452A due to some of the ultraviolet radiation being absorbed by theenclosure. However, the ultraviolet radiation in the system 1452B isdiffused more uniformly throughout the area than is the ultravioletradiation in the system 1452A.

Turning now to FIGS. 36A and 36B, in an embodiment, a reflector 1560including a set of ultraviolet radiation sources 1558 mounted on thereflector 1560 is shown. FIG. 36A shows a cross-sectional view, whileFIG. 36B shows a perspective three-dimensional view. In this embodiment,an enclosure 1570 covers the open portion of the reflector 1560 to forma round shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, an oval, and/or the like.Similar to the enclosure 1470 shown in FIG. 34, the enclosure 1570 ispartially transparent to ultraviolet radiation and can comprise afluoropolymer, such as EFEP, FEP, PFA, THV, and/or the like. Theenclosure 1570 can be attached to the reflector 1560 using any solution.For example, as shown in FIG. 36A, a set of bolts 1580A, 1580B can beused to attach the enclosure 1570 to the reflector 1560. In anotherembodiment, the enclosure 1570 can be attached to the reflector 1560 byother means, such as latches, clips, grooves, and/or the like. In anembodiment, the enclosure 1570 is attached to the reflector 1560 using asolution that enables easily disassembly. For example, the enclosure1570 can be easily detached from the reflector 1560 so that parts can bereplaced. For example, the enclosure 1570 can be easily detached fromthe reflector 1560 so that the enclosure 1570 can be replaced, one ormore of the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 1558 can easily bereplaced, the reflector 1560 can be easily replaced, and/or the like.The reflector 1560 can be mounted on a second enclosure 1590, whichhouses the electrical components for powering the set of ultravioletradiation sources 1558 and enables the structure to be permanently orremovably attached to a surface (e.g., an interior wall of a storagedevice) using any solution.

Turning now to FIG. 37, in an embodiment, an enclosure 1670 including areflector 1660 with a set of ultraviolet radiation sources 1658 can bemounted in a corner of a drawer 1652. The enclosure 1670 and/or thereflector 1660 can be configured to be rotated (e.g., by the monitoringand/or control system 11 shown in FIG. 1) according to arrows 1662A,1662B in order to redirect the ultraviolet radiation into a target areawithin the drawer 1652. In an embodiment, the monitoring and/or controlsystem 11 selects the target area and rotates the enclosure 1670 andreflector 1660 accordingly based on conditions within the drawer 1652(e.g., using data acquired by the feedback component 14 (FIG. 3), basedon a current operating configuration, and/or the like. The degree ofrotation for the enclosure 1670 and/or the reflector 1660 is not limitedto the directions shown by the arrows 1662A, B. Rather, the enclosure1670 and/or the reflector 1660 can rotate at any angle and in anydirection within the drawer 1652 in order to direct ultravioletradiation at any area within the drawer 1652.

The enclosure 1670 can be diffusively partially transparent toultraviolet radiation, similar to the enclosures shown in FIGS. 32A,32B, 34, 36A and 36B. However, if diffusive properties are not desired,then the partially transparent enclosure 1670 can include no diffusiveproperties and can comprise fused silica, sapphire, and/or the like.Regardless, the enclosure 1670 can transmit a majority portion of theultraviolet radiation and can be at least approximately 50% transparentto ultraviolet radiation. In any of the embodiments for the enclosurediscussed herein, the enclosure can include a patterning, roughening,lenses, and/or the like. The reflector 1660 can be highly reflective toultraviolet radiation and reflect at least approximately 50% of theultraviolet radiation. In all embodiments discussed herein, thereflector can be specularly reflective or diffusively reflective.

Turning now to FIG. 38, in an embodiment, the reflector 1760 can includedifferent radiation sources operating at difference wavelengths. Forexample, radiation sources 1758B, 1758E, and 1758G can includeultraviolet radiation sources, which operate in the ultravioletradiation wavelength range. Radiation sources 1758A, 1758C, 1758D, and1758F can include visible and/or infrared radiation sources, whichoperate in the visible and/or infrared radiation wavelength ranges. Themonitoring and/or control system 11 (FIG. 1) can be configured to turnon ultraviolet radiation sources 1758B, 1758E, and 1758G only when thedrawer, such as drawer 1352 in FIG. 32A, is closed, whereas the visibleand/or infrared radiation sources 1758A, 1758C, 1758D, and 1758F can beturned on when a door to a refrigerator, such as the refrigerator shownin FIG. 4A, is opened. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiationsources 1758B, 1758E, and 1758G and/or the visible and/or infraredradiation sources 1758A, 1758C, 1758D, and 1758F can be configured togenerate radiation at a different wavelengths.

Turning now to FIG. 39A, in an embodiment, the radiation sources 1758A-Fcan be moveable within the enclosure 1870. For example, the enclosure1870 can include a rail system 1880 for a set of radiation sources1758A-F. The rail system 1880 can be mounted on a reflector 1860. Theset of radiation sources 1758A-F can be configured to be moved along therail system 1880 by the monitoring and/or control system 11 (FIG. 1) ineither direction, according to an arrow 1890. Turning now to FIG. 39B,in an embodiment, the enclosure 1970 can include flexible material. Inan embodiment, the flexible material for the enclosure 1970 can includea fluoropolymer. The flexibility of the enclosure 1970 can be used foreasy placement of the enclosure 1970.

Turning now to FIG. 40, in an embodiment, a storage area 5054 caninclude a suspended lamp 5010 positioned over a shelf 5072 with a set ofitems 5056A, 5056B. The suspended lamp 5010 includes several sets ofultraviolet radiation sources 5012A, 5012B. Although only two sets areshown, it is understood that the suspended lamp 5010 can include anynumbers of ultraviolet radiation sources. Further, it is understood thatthe suspended lamp 5010 can include other radiation sources, such asvisible light sources, infrared light sources, and/or the like. Each setof ultraviolet radiation sources 5012A, 5012B can operate in a targetwavelength range for a desired result. For example, the first set ofultraviolet radiation sources 5012A can operate in a range ofapproximately 285 nm to approximately 315 nm in order to prolong thestorage life of the set of items 5056A, 5056B. This radiation can have auniform emission over the storage area 5054 occupied by the set of items5056A, 5056B, with an intensity variation of no more than 50%. Thesecond set of ultraviolet radiation sources 5012B can operate in a rangeof approximately 260 nm to approximately 285 nm in order to suppress thegrowth of mildew and bacteria within the storage area 5054. For all thesets of ultraviolet radiation sources 5012A, 5012B, it is understoodthat the UV dose, the intensity, the spectral power, the visibleillumination, the direction, and/or the like for the radiation can bechanged, depending on the set of items 5056A, 5056B, which can bedetermined by a sensing device 16 (e.g., a visual camera) (FIG. 3).

In any of the embodiments discussed herein, the surface of a shelf canbe covered by a photo-catalyst, such as TiO₂, which can be activated byultraviolet radiation. For example, at least a portion of the shelf 5072in FIG. 40 can include a photo-catalyst. The photo-catalyst can improvedisinfection within the ambient of the storage area 5054 and can help toeliminate the undesirable smells present in the ambient of the storagearea 5054. The ultraviolet radiation used for activating thephoto-catalyst can include UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. However, UV-C is morelikely to be absorbed in the thin photo-catalyst (e.g., TiO₂) layers. Inan embodiment, the UV radiation interacting with the photo-catalyst TiO₂can have a wavelength lower than an absorption edge of the TiO₂photo-catalyst. For example, the absorption edge of the TiO₂photo-catalyst can be approximately 380 nm.

In an embodiment, the suspended lamp 5010 can include at least threesets of ultraviolet radiation sources 5012A, 5012B, and each of the setsof ultraviolet radiation sources 5012A, 5012B can radiate at UV-Awavelengths, UV-B wavelengths, and UV-C wavelengths. In an embodiment,the ultraviolet radiation can be used to eliminate the presence ofethylene in the ambient of the storage area 5054. In an embodiment, aportion of the surface of the shelf 5072 can include a diffusivematerial that allows for diffusive scattering 5080 of the ultravioletradiation within the storage area 5054 in order to improve ultravioletradiation recycling and coverage. In an embodiment, the shelf 5072 caninclude ultraviolet radiation transparent regions with a set ofultraviolet radiation sources embedded within the shelf 5072 in order todirect ultraviolet radiation from the bottom of the set of items 5056A,5056B.

Turning now to FIG. 41, a storage area 6054 according to an embodimentis shown. In this embodiment, the storage area 6054 can include asensing device 16 (FIG. 3) that is used to determine whether a person isin proximity of the shelf 6072. In response to a person in proximity tothe shelf 6072 from the sensing device 16, the computer system 20 (FIG.3) can turn off the ultraviolet radiation source. For example, as shownin FIG. 41, the sensing device 16 can include a laser switch 6090. Inanother embodiment, the sensing device 16 can include a visual camera todetermine if a person is close to the shelf 6072. In another embodiment,the sensing device 16 can include sensors that are located on the floornear the storage area 6054.

Turning now to FIG. 42A, a lamp 7000 according to an embodiment isshown. The lamp 7000 can be used in any of the embodiments discussedherein. The lamp 7000 can include any number of sources 7012A, 7012B,each of which can vary in wavelength, intensity, distribution ofintensity over polar angles, and/or the like. The lamp 7000 can alsoinclude any number of electronic components 7090A, 7090B that are partof a power component 19 (FIG. 3) and used to deliver power to thesources 7012A, 7012B. Although it is not shown, the lamp 7000 caninclude fluorescent and visible light sensors, visible light sources,and/or the like. The visible light sources can be selected to prolongstorage life for the set of items within the storage area and improvethe presentation of the set of items. For example, the color of thevisible light source can be selected to achieve a natural rendering ofthe set of items.

Turning now to FIG. 42B, a storage device 8000 according to anembodiment is shown. The storage device 8000 includes a set of trashcontainers 8054. In this embodiment, the smell/odor of the set of trashcontainers 8054 may need to be controlled. A set of ultravioletradiation sources 8012 can be coupled with a photo-catalyst, asdiscussed herein, in order to eliminate any undesired smells and odorswithin the storage device 8000. In an embodiment, the storage device8000 can also include a chemical means to control the presence ofundesired smells, such as baking soda, and/or the like to deodorize thestorage device 8000. Although the set of ultraviolet radiation sources8012 are located at the top of the storage device 8000, it is understoodthat the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 8012 can be locatedanywhere within the storage device 8000. For example, the set ofultraviolet radiation sources 8012 can be positioned so that ultravioletradiation is not directed towards a user. Furthermore, a power component19 (FIG. 3) can turn off the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 8012upon opening of the storage device 8000.

Turning now to FIG. 43, a side view of an illustrative storage area 9054according to an embodiment is shown. The storage area 9054 can include aplurality of shelves 9072A, 9072B. Although only two shelves are shown,it is understood that the storage area 9054 can include any number ofshelves. In an embodiment, the storage area 9054 can be a warehouseenvironment that includes numerous shelves that store any type of item.The plurality of shelves 9072A, 9072B form spaces 9074A, 9074B,respectively, for a set of items 9056 located on each of the shelves9072A, 9072B. The storage area 9054 includes a plurality of ultravioletradiation sources 9012A, 9012B in each of the spaces 9074A, 9074B. In anembodiment, each ultraviolet radiation source 9012A, 9012B can includean array of light emitting diodes that can extend over the lateral areaof each of the shelves 9072A, 9072B to provide sufficient radiationalcoverage over a shelf 9072A, 9072B. In an embodiment, each of theultraviolet radiation sources 9012A, 9012B can generate ultravioletradiation 9013 that is relatively uniform over a surface of a respectiveshelf 9072A, 9072B. In a more specific embodiment, the ultravioletradiation 9013 can have a uniformity such that the ratio of the maximumintensity and the minimum intensity is no larger than 2.

In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation 9013 can have periodicallyspaced regions of high intensity separated by regions of low intensity.The set of items 9056 are where the regions of high intensity arelocated. The regions of low intensity can be smaller than the typicallength scales of the items being disinfected. In an embodiment, theregions of high intensity cover at least 10% of the surface of an itembeing disinfected. In a more specific embodiment, when there are regionsof high intensity separated by regions of low intensity, the ratio ofthe maximum intensity and the minimum intensity can be larger than 2.

It is understood that the storage area 9054 can include a system, suchas the ultraviolet radiation system 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, tocontrol the ultraviolet radiation sources 9012A, 9012B and other aspectsof the storage area 9054. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiationsystem 10 can control the ultraviolet radiation sources 9012A, 9012Bbased on the target item being disinfected. The ultraviolet radiationsystem 10 can adjust the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation 9013 todeliver a target dose and/or ultraviolet radiation intensity to thetarget item. For example, for an item such as strawberries, theultraviolet radiation system 10 can adjust the ultraviolet radiationsource 9012A, 9012B to operate in the target range of 280 nanometers to295 nanometers. In another embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation system10 can monitor the target item using the feedback component 14 (FIG. 3)to determine the intensity for the ultraviolet radiation 9013. Forexample, the ultraviolet radiation system 10 can evaluate a statisticalaverage residency time of an item and adjust the ultraviolet radiation9013 intensity to deliver the target dose for that average time.

In an embodiment, the target radiation intensity, I_(O), for an item canbe experimentally determined. For example, the intensity for a specificitem can be determined during the test condition in the experimentalchamber. In an embodiment, the test condition can comprise placing anitem within an experimental chamber for a set duration of time andirradiating the item, delivering a set of radiational doses. Theexperimental parameters such as dose, intensity, duration of the itemwithin the experimental chamber can be varied to obtain the optimalirradiation criteria. The ultraviolet radiation system 10 can deliverultraviolet radiation 9013 at select time periods in order to achievethe target radiation intensity I_(O). For example, ultraviolet radiation9013 can be delivered at an intensity I_(O) at a first time T_(O)following by no radiation at a second time T₁ to deliver a sufficientdose of ultraviolet radiation over a typical residence time. In anotherembodiment, the ultraviolet radiation system 10 can deliver ultravioletradiation 9013 at an intensity I₁ that is greater than the targetradiation intensity I_(O), and the time periodicity of the radiation ischosen such that there are more than 10 periods of ultraviolet radiationover a typical residency time, which deliver a sufficient dose ofradiation over a typical residence time.

It is understood that the ultraviolet radiation system 10 (FIGS. 1 and3) for the storage area 9054 can include other radiation sources, suchas visible, fluorescent, infrared, and/or the like, and other optical,chemical, and physical components in order to disinfect and preserve anystored items. For example, the ultraviolet radiation system 10 caninclude a fluorescent sensor to detect biological activity over asurface of a target item. In another example, the ultraviolet radiationsystem 10 can include an ethylene sensor to detect levels of ethylenewithin the storage area 9054 and a mechanism for venting the storagearea 9054 when the ethylene sensor determines that the ethylene levelsare above a maximum. For example, the storage area 9054 can include ahigh efficiency ethylene destruction chamber 55 (FIG. 3) that removesand destroys the ethylene within the storage area 9054.

In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation system 10 for the storagearea 9054 can also include a load sensor (i.e., sensing device 16 inFIG. 3) configured to detect a weight distribution of at least one itemon at least one of the shelves 9072A, 9072B. In another embodiment, theultraviolet radiation system 10 can also include a visual camera (e.g.,sensing device 16 in FIG. 3) configured to capture a real-time image ofat least one item on at least one of the shelves 9072A, 9072B.

In an embodiment, one or more of the ultraviolet radiation sources9012A, 9012B can include various optical components to deliver targetand/or uniform ultraviolet radiation over the shelves 9072A, 9072B. Forexample, the ultraviolet radiation sources 9012A, 9012B can include aset of surfaces that are diffusively reflective. In an embodiment, theset of surfaces can be at least partially Lambertian. For example, theset of surfaces can be at least 10% Lambertian. The 10% Lambertiandistribution refers to reflection that has both specular and Lambertiancomponents and at least 10% of the radiation that is reflected isreflected with a Lambertian distribution.

In an embodiment, the storage area 9054 can also include an interfacefor receiving a user input, such as the external user interface 26Bshown in FIG. 1. The interface can be any type of component that iscapable of receiving an input from a user, such as a touch screen, asmart phone, a series of buttons on the storage area 9054, and/or thelike. In an embodiment, the user input can override and adjust theparameters of the ultraviolet radiation 9013, such as the duration,intensity, location, distribution, and/or the like. The interface canalso be configured to display information to a user, such as the historyof the radiation, current status of the items and/or the storage area9054, suggested radiation doses based on the type of item and residencetimes, and/or the like.

In an embodiment, the shelves 9072A, 9072B can comprise conveyor beltsthat are capable of moving the items along the shelves 9072A, 9072B. Thetarget intensity of the ultraviolet radiation 9013 can depend on thespeed of the conveyor belt.

In an embodiment, for food preservation, the ultraviolet radiation canoperate in a peak wavelength range of 280 nanometers to 300 nanometers.For disinfection, to destroy mold and other pathogens on the surface ofan item, the ultraviolet radiation can operate in a peak wavelengthrange of 270 nanometers to 280 nanometers. In an embodiment, a deepultraviolet light emitting diode can be used for disinfection.

In an embodiment, the plurality of shelves 9072A, 9072B can compriseultraviolet reflective material for recycling the ultraviolet radiationwithin the storage area 9054, such as reflective fluoropolymers,aluminum, GORE® multilayered materials with at least one layercomprising aluminum and at least one layer comprising ultraviolettransparent material such as SiO2, and/or the like.

In an embodiment a set of ultraviolet radiation sources can compriseUV-A LEDs operating in 360-420 nm wavelength range. In such embodiment,the UV-A sources can be used to irradiate the items at a first period oftime, while UV-C sources are used to irradiate item at a second periodof time. For instance the first period of time can comprise large timeintervals ranging between few tens of minutes to many hours, while UV-Csources can be applied during a second period of time for duration ofseveral minutes to several tens of minutes for each time interval. TheUV-A sources can be used for maintaining the acceptable disinfectionlevels, while the UV-C sources can be used for sterilization purposes.In an embodiment, the humidity levels can be controlled for improvedsterilization and maintenance. In an embodiment the photo-catalyst canbe used in conjunction with UV-C or UV-A sources to improvesterilization or preservation of items, wherein the photo-catalyst cancomprise TiO2, silver particles or other disinfection inducing material.

While shown and described herein as a method and system for managing astorage area, it is understood that aspects of the invention furtherprovide various alternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment,the invention provides a computer program fixed in at least onecomputer-readable medium, which when executed, enables a computer systemto manage the storage area using a process described herein. To thisextent, the computer-readable medium includes program code, such as theanalysis program 30 (FIG. 1), which enables a computer system toimplement some or all of a process described herein. It is understoodthat the term “computer-readable medium” comprises one or more of anytype of tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed,from which a copy of the program code can be perceived, reproduced, orotherwise communicated by a computing device. For example, thecomputer-readable medium can comprise: one or more portable storagearticles of manufacture; one or more memory/storage components of acomputing device; paper; and/or the like.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of providing acopy of program code, such as the analysis program 30 (FIG. 1), whichenables a computer system to implement some or all of a processdescribed herein. In this case, a computer system can process a copy ofthe program code to generate and transmit, for reception at a second,distinct location, a set of data signals that has one or more of itscharacteristics set and/or changed in such a manner as to encode a copyof the program code in the set of data signals. Similarly, an embodimentof the invention provides a method of acquiring a copy of the programcode, which includes a computer system receiving the set of data signalsdescribed herein, and translating the set of data signals into a copy ofthe computer program fixed in at least one computer-readable medium. Ineither case, the set of data signals can be transmitted/received usingany type of communications link.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a method ofgenerating a system for managing the storage area. In this case, thegenerating can include configuring a computer system, such as thecomputer system 20 (FIG. 1), to implement a method of managing thestorage area as described herein. The configuring can include obtaining(e.g., creating, maintaining, purchasing, modifying, using, makingavailable, etc.) one or more hardware components, with or without one ormore software modules, and setting up the components and/or modules toimplement a process described herein. To this extent, the configuringcan include deploying one or more components to the computer system,which can comprise one or more of: (1) installing program code on acomputing device; (2) adding one or more computing and/or I/O devices tothe computer system; (3) incorporating and/or modifying the computersystem to enable it to perform a process described herein; and/or thelike.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to anindividual in the art are included within the scope of the invention asdefined by the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a storage device including a storage area for containing at least one item, wherein the storage area includes at least one shelf for holding the at least one item; a set of ultraviolet radiation sources configured to generate ultraviolet radiation into the storage area; a set of sensing devices configured to monitor a set of current conditions of at least one of: the storage area or the at least one item, wherein the set of sensing devices includes a load sensor configured to detect a load and an approximate volume of the at least one item on the at least one shelf, and wherein the set of current conditions includes a presence of the at least one item on the at least one shelf, the load of the at least one item, and the approximate volume of the at least one item; and a control system configured to control the set of ultraviolet radiation sources based on the set of current conditions, wherein the controlling includes selecting an intensity for the ultraviolet radiation such that the ultraviolet radiation is uniform over the at least one item.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlling further includes maintaining a ratio between a maximum intensity of the ultraviolet radiation and a minimum intensity of the ultraviolet radiation to no more than
 2. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of ultraviolet radiation sources includes at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode operating in a range of 280 nanometers to 295 nanometers.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of sensing devices further includes a visual camera configured to capture an image of the at least one item.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the control system is configured to evaluate a residency time for the at least one item based on the image and adjust the ultraviolet radiation based the residency time for the at least one item.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one shelf is diffusively reflective.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one shelf is at least 10% Lambertian.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising an external interface configured to receive an input from a user.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the control system adjusts the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation based on the input from the user.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of sensing devices further includes a humidity sensor configured to detect a humidity level within the storage area, and wherein the set of current conditions includes the humidity level.
 11. A method comprising: detecting, using a load sensor, a set of current conditions for a storage area including at least one shelf for holding at least one item, wherein the set of current conditions includes a presence of the at least one item on the at least one shelf, the load of the at least one item, and an approximate volume of the at least one item; and controlling, based on the set of current conditions, a set of ultraviolet radiation sources configured to generate ultraviolet radiation into the storage area by selecting an intensity for the ultraviolet radiation, such that the ultraviolet radiation is uniform over the at least one item.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: capturing, using a visual camera, an image of the at least one item to evaluate a residency time for the at least one item; and adjusting the ultraviolet radiation based on the residency time for the at least one item.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving, on an external user interface, an input from a user; and adjusting the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation based on the input from the user.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: detecting, using a humidity sensor, a humidity level within the storage area, wherein the set of current conditions includes the humidity level; and adjusting the ultraviolet radiation based on the humidity level. 